Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has taken aim at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the body of partisanship and a lack of neutrality in its handling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership dispute.
Kwankwaso made the remarks on Wednesday while participating in the #OccupyINEC protest at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja alongside other opposition figures.
“Today, I joined fellow coalition leaders and committed democrats to strongly condemn the blatant partisanship and compromised neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” he stated.
The demonstration brought together notable opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola, Kwankwaso himself, and Rotimi Amaechi.
The protest was prompted by INEC’s decision to derecognise the ADC faction led by David Mark, sparking concerns over the electoral body’s credibility.
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Kwankwaso emphasised that the rally reflected growing apprehension among opposition groups about the integrity of Nigeria’s election process.
“The peaceful procession in Abuja united various opposition groups in a clear message: we will not stand idly by while our electoral umpire undermines the will of the people,” he said.
He further warned that opposition leaders would continue to scrutinise INEC’s actions closely.
“We shall continue to closely monitor INEC’s activities and demand that it immediately returns to the path of impartiality, transparency, and professionalism so that democracy can thrive in Nigeria,” Kwankwaso added.
Despite steady rainfall, the protest attracted a large turnout and evolved into a broader coalition rally.
Participants from multiple political parties and civil society organisations joined in calling for reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.