Mark, Obi, Aregbesola, Kwankwaso Lead Protest at INEC Over Electoral Concerns

Mark, Obi, Aregbesola, Kwankwaso Lead Protest at INEC Over Electoral Concerns

Abuja — Prominent Nigerian political figures, including David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Wednesday led a large protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, calling for greater electoral accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Despite steady rainfall, hundreds—possibly thousands—of demonstrators converged on the electoral body’s headquarters, signalling rising political tension and growing public scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The protest began earlier in the day at the Abuja residence of David Mark, where a morning service was held to commemorate his 78th birthday. From there, the political leaders and their supporters marched in an organised procession to the INEC office.

Initially described as a demonstration linked to a faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the protest quickly evolved into a broader coalition movement. Participants from multiple political parties and civil society groups joined the rally, transforming it into a cross-party demonstration focused on safeguarding democratic principles and questioning the credibility of the electoral system.

Speaking during the march, a protester, Muyideen Bashiru, highlighted the scale and diversity of the turnout.

“We’re currently heading towards the INEC office. You can see the crowd; there are hundreds, possibly thousands of people gathered,” he said, noting that participants had travelled from different parts of the country.

Observers say the presence of high-profile political figures from different regions and parties underscores increasing alignment among opposition voices and signals heightened political activity ahead of the next general elections.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from INEC regarding the protest or the demands raised by the demonstrators.