A major showdown unfolded at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday as prominent opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement Rabiu Kwankwaso, led a protest against the commission’s decision to derecognise the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The protest, which drew a large crowd of party members and supporters, was sparked by INEC’s withdrawal of recognition from rival factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark, both claiming leadership of the ADC.
Atiku condemned INEC’s action as partisan, saying it aimed to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and pave the way for a dictatorship. 
Other notable figures at the protest included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Senator Dino Melaye, and ex-Kano State deputy governor Aminu Gwarzo.
The ADC has been embroiled in an internal crisis since July 2025, with the dispute escalating into legal battles and ultimately leading to INEC’s decision.
The protest highlights growing tensions between the opposition and the electoral commission, with the ADC accusing INEC of laying landmines to prevent them from fielding candidates in the 2027 elections.
