ADC Chieftains Warns Tinubu Against One-Party Rule

Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday stormed the streets of Abuja with a clear message for President Bola Tinubu: hands off Nigeria’s democracy.

They accused the administration of pushing the country towards a one-party system through alleged interference in opposition parties.

NaijaChoice News reports that the protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, targeted the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Maitama. Heavy rain did not stop thousands of supporters who turned up with banners and chants demanding free and fair elections.

Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, spoke on behalf of the ADC chieftains. He described the gathering as a peaceful call to protect the nation’s democratic future.

“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,” Obi told the crowd.

He appealed directly 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.”

Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, took a harder line. He blamed the Tinubu administration for worsening the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.

Amaechi pointed to the recent change in the national anthem and the failure to deliver on infrastructure promises.

“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,” he said.

He predicted defeat for the ruling party in 2027: “By the grace of God, they will lose the election.”

The protest brought together a broad opposition coalition. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Kano State former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola and other heavyweights joined the march.

ADC leaders insist the action is about more than their internal leadership crisis with INEC. They say it is a fight to stop any attempt to weaken multi-party democracy ahead of the next general elections.

As the 2027 polls draw closer, the message from Abuja’s streets was loud and direct: Nigerians will not accept a democracy without choice.