Nigeria: Atiku Leads Protest to INEC Headquarters

Petitions have been circulating since the conclusion of the presidential election held on February 25th, 2023, with accusations of rigging leveled against INEC and APC. The opposition parties have vowed to not let this slide. 

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday took a step in action and led a protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. The protest was organized to demand electoral reforms ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for 2023.

Atiku was joined by his running mate, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the party chairman Ayu, other party members, and civil society groups. The protest organized by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is being referred to as the “black uniform” protest march.

The protesters submitted a petition to INEC officials, calling for a review of the electoral process to ensure that it is free, fair, and credible. They also demanded the use of electronic voting and transmission of results in the next general elections.

Speaking to journalists after submitting the petition, Atiku said that the protest was necessary to draw attention to the need for urgent electoral reforms in Nigeria. He expressed concern that the country’s democracy was under threat due to the flaws in the electoral process.

“We cannot continue to do things the same way and expect different results. We need to reform the electoral process to ensure that it is transparent, accountable, and credible,” he said.

The protest comes amid growing concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, with many stakeholders calling for urgent electoral reforms to address the flaws in the system. INEC has promised to review the petition and consider the demands of the protesters.

Subsequently, the protesters barricaded the entrance to the INEC headquarters, prompting security personnel at the commission to lock the gate.

Other PDP leaders invited to the protest march are Udom Emmanuel, the Chairman of PCC and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Aminu Tambuwal, the DG of PCC and Governor of Sokoto State.