ADC: Obidient Movement demands resignation of Amupitan, announces #OccupyINEC protests

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Supporters of Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour under the aegis of Obidient Movement have called for mass protest and resignation of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC over the derecognition of the David Mark led leadership of African Democratic Congress, ADC.

INEC had on Wednesday announced de-recognition of the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and others, citing a court order.

But the Obidient Movement, whose leader, Peter Obi is one of those eyeing the 2027 presidential of ADC said INEC’s decision showed that it has been compromised instead of standing as “an impartial guardian of the people’s wil”

“At the same time, opposition voices appear to be under pressure in ways that raise serious concerns about the future of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy,” the Obidient Movement said in a statement by its leader, Yunusa Tanko on Thursday.

“When institutions lose credibility, the will of the people is endangered. And when that happens, citizens have a duty to act.

“The Obidient Movement remains committed to a Nigeria where institutions are strong, elections are credible, and leadership reflects the true choice of the people. It is from this position of responsibility that we state clearly that urgent corrective action is required to restore confidence in the electoral system and protect the integrity of our democracy,” Tanko added.

According to him, the Obidient Movement is demanding the resignation of the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan “for gross abuse of office, loss of public trust, and failure to uphold the neutrality required of that office”

He added that the Movement is also demanding an immediate end to political persecution, including all forms of intimidation, harassment, and targeting of opposition voices as well as the protection of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, with a halt to all actions that undermine opposition parties.

In addition, the Movement also called for full respect for party autonomy, ensuring that the internal leadership and integrity of political parties, including ADC, are not interfered with.

“In defence of these principles, we are commencing a nationwide peaceful protest, #OccupyINEC, starting immediately across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“This is a call to action grounded not in anger, but in duty — a collective effort to safeguard the democratic future of our country,” the Obidient Movement said.

According to the statement participants in the protest in Abuja will converge at the ADC National Headquarters from where they will embark on a peaceful march to the INEC Headquarters at a date to be announced later.

He also urged Obidients and all well-meaning Nigerians to organise, mobilise, and participate in the protest in a coordinated and disciplined manner.

“This moment goes beyond party lines. It is about the survival of democratic values and the protection of the Nigerian state itself. We will remain peaceful, we will remain lawful, but we will not stand by while our democracy is weakened. Nigeria must not become a one-party state. We will stand, firmly and collectively, until what is right is done,” the Movement said in the statement.