Prominent figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have issued a public warning to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to safeguard Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and avoid actions that could lead to a one-party system.
Speaking at the OccupyINEC protest in Abuja on Wednesday, Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, stressed the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s democratic framework. “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 stated. He appealed directly to the administration, saying, “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 also addressed the gathering, accusing the Tinubu administration of exacerbating economic hardship. “Imagine a president who came to power and the first thing he did was to change the national anthem… and gave us hunger,” Amaechi said. He criticized unfulfilled promises on infrastructure, claiming, “He said he would give us roads; up till now, they have not given us roads. The money is gone.” Amaechi further warned that the administration would lose the 2027 presidential election “by the grace of God.”
The protest, organized under the banner of the OccupyINEC movement, reflects growing public concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy and governance. Participants called for transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights to freely choose their leaders. The ADC chieftains’ statements underscore the increasing political tension and the opposition’s determination to challenge the current administration’s policies ahead of future elections.
