A large crowd of protesters flooded the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Wednesday, defying steady rain to demand electoral accountability as tensions build ahead of the 2027 elections.

What began as a protest linked to a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) quickly grew into something bigger. People from different political parties and groups joined in, turning it into a broad coalition rally focused on defending democracy and questioning the credibility of the electoral system.

Muyideen Bashiru, a protester, said the turnout showed the concerns cut across party lines, with participants travelling in from different parts of the country.

“We’re currently heading towards the INEC office. You can see the crowd; there are hundreds, possibly thousands of people gathered,” Bashiru said.

Placard held by protesters.

ADC chieftain, Atiku Abubarka had mentioned on his Twitter Account that : Myself and other leaders of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship. -AA pic.twitter.com/tYbU6v6a7Q

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) April 8, 2026
Among those present were David Mark, former Senate President; Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and ex-Minister of Interior; Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate; Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement; and Dino Melaye, former Senator representing Kogi West, alongside other political figures.

File Photo: Rotimi Amaechi at the protest. Photo credit: ADC

The protesters had earlier gathered at David Mark’s residence, where a morning service was held to mark his 78th birthday, before moving out in a coordinated march.

“As you can see, it’s massive, this is not just about the ADC, there are members of other political parties here as well,” he said.

Some protesters. Photo credit: ADC

From Apo Legislative Quarters, the crowd surged towards the INEC office, swelling along the way and taking over major roads in the Federal Capital Territory.

“You’ll recall that this protest was initially planned for last week but was cancelled,” Bashiru said.

File Photo: Rotimi Amaechi and Dino Melaye at the protest.

The earlier plan was shelved after heavy security deployment, including roadblocks and patrol vehicles. But Wednesday’s protest appeared largely unannounced, suggesting a shift in approach that may have caught authorities off guard.

“But today feels different, it seems spontaneous, almost as if security agencies were caught off guard,” he said.

Despite the rain, the crowd kept growing at the INEC office, with an atmosphere that was intense but orderly.

“You can see the crowd behind me; it’s still growing, and the energy is intense,” Bashiru said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will tomorrow embark on an official visit to Ogun State, as the Gateway State prepares to witness the commissioning and inspection of a sweeping array of landmark projects—an indication of its bold stride toward infrastructural transformation, economic expansion, and improved service delivery.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the President’s itinerary reflects a comprehensive showcase of strategic investments cutting across critical sectors.

At the forefront of the visit is the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport, Iperu—an ambitious project designed to position Ogun State as a major aviation and logistics hub in Nigeria. Within the airport complex, President Tinubu will also commission two newly acquired aircraft under Gateway Air, marking the official takeoff of the state’s aviation initiative in partnership with ValueJet.

Further underscoring the airport’s economic potential, the President will witness a cargo operations showcase facilitated by SAHCOL, signaling readiness for full-scale logistics and freight activities. In addition, a number of strategic assets will be commissioned at the airport, including 1,000 electric bikes under the state’s EV mobility initiative, 80 security vehicles to strengthen safety architecture, and a fleet of agricultural tractors aimed at boosting food production and supporting farmers.

Beyond the airport, the President will commission the Ilishan–Iperu Airport Road, a vital link connecting the new aviation hub to surrounding communities and enhancing accessibility. He is also scheduled to inspect the Nigeria Customs Service Village and commission the Forward Operating Base (FOB) building, reinforcing border security and trade facilitation.

The visit will further feature the inspection and commissioning of the Gateway Aviation Village, a complementary development designed to support the state’s growing aviation ecosystem.

In a symbolic and strategic move, President Tinubu will commission the reconstructed “Old Ibadan Road” (Sapade–Ilishan Road), which will be officially named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expressway—an arterial route expected to significantly boost connectivity and commerce within the region.

Rounding off the visit is the inspection of the Sagamu–Benin Concrete Road, a major federal infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation efficiency along one of Nigeria’s busiest corridors.

Collectively, these projects reflect the vision of the Ogun State Government under Dapo Abiodun to build a modern, economically vibrant, and well-connected state. The President’s visit not only marks the unveiling of these transformative initiatives but also reinforces the synergy between federal and state governments in driving sustainable development.

There is currently a heavy security presence at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abuja.

The development follows the decision of the electoral umpire to de-list the National Working Committee, NWC, of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, from its portal on Wednesday.

Thousands of angry Nigerians gathered around the INEC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, moments after the decision was announced.

Some Nigerians, mostly members of the ADC, the Obidient Movement and other groups had planned to return to INEC Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja on Thursday for a protest tagged ‘Occupy INEC’.

The road leading to the commission’s headquarters were blocked with security vehicles on Thursday morning. A large number of security agents, including personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, and Department of State Services, DSS, were also observed around the headquarters.

INEC struck out the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively.

The commission also said it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts.

INEC announced on Wednesday that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party and refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by groups aligned with the affected leaders.

The decision, it said, will remain in place pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Cour