Opposition figures staged a peaceful #OccupyINEC protest in Nigeria’s capital on Wednesday, warning against what they see as a slide toward one-party rule and urging the government to protect the country’s democracy.
The protest, held at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), drew opposition political leaders and supporters who say they are increasingly concerned about the direction of the country’s democracy and the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 election.
Speaking at the protest ground, Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, said, “We are simply holding a peaceful demonstration to say that we cannot have a one-party system in our country. It is a democratic nation.
“We are appealing to those in government: do not destroy our democracy. We need it for our children and for generations to come. Nigerians must have the freedom to choose who leads them. This is critical for our country.”
Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, addressed the crowd, taking aim at the current administration.
“Imagine a president who came to power and the first thing he did was to change the national anthem… and gave us hunger.
“He said he would give us roads; up till now, they have not given us roads. The money is gone. By the grace of God, they will lose the election,” Amaechi said.
Organisers claim the protest is part of a larger effort by opposition figures and civic groups to safeguard democratic institutions and ensure fair elections.
They insisted that the demonstration remained peaceful, even while security personnel, who were plainly outnumbered, patrolled the INEC facility.
