Top figures in Nigeria’s opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, following the commission’s decision to withdraw recognition from the party.

The protest was led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and attracted a large number of party members and supporters, who accused INEC of acting with bias.

In a statement shared on X, Atiku said the demonstration was necessary to defend Nigeria’s democracy and resist what he described as attempts to impose authoritarian rule.

Other prominent political figures at the protest included former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, factional ADC National Chairman David Mark, Kwankwasiyya Movement leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, and factional National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola.

Also present were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, ex-Senator Dino Melaye, and former Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo.

The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since July 2025, when an opposition coalition assumed control of the party. Rival factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark have since laid claim to its leadership, resulting in prolonged legal disputes.

INEC’s decision to derecognise both factions followed a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed special envoys in 12 major foreign cities as part of a new strategy to draw international attention to what it describes as a growing pattern of undemocratic practices and targeted attacks on opposition members in Nigeria.

The development follows the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise both the David Mark-led leadership of the party and the Nafiu Bala faction. In a statement signed by its Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, INEC said it would refrain from engaging either faction pending the resolution of a case before the Federal High Court. The commission cited a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment and added that it would not participate in any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by the rival groups.

The decision has triggered strong reactions within the party, with the Mark-led faction calling for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. The group accused the commission of bias, arguing that its interpretation of the court ruling undermines public confidence in the electoral body.

In response, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced the creation of a “Special Representatives Network (SRN)” to strengthen international engagement and promote democratic accountability. Abdullahi alleged that since July 2025, there have been sustained efforts to destabilise opposition parties, weaken legitimate leadership structures, and limit political participation.

He explained that the newly appointed envoys would serve as official representatives of the party in key global capitals, acting as liaison points with foreign governments, parliamentary institutions, international media, and diaspora communities. The envoys are expected to provide regular briefings on Nigeria’s political climate, including issues related to governance, human rights, electoral integrity, and alleged repression of opposition figures.

The designated cities for the initiative include Washington DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York.

Abdullahi noted that the move is aimed at reinforcing the ADC’s image as a responsible democratic actor while positioning the party as a credible alternative for governance. He also disclosed that the party would launch a national documentation initiative to monitor and record incidents affecting political participation across the country.

According to him, state party structures will be tasked with gathering data on cases such as threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities, with the aim of building a comprehensive record for both domestic and international engagement.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has warned aspirants seeking National Assembly seats to stop falsely claiming endorsement from Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

In a statement issued by the State Chairman, Hon. Olusola Elesin, the party said reports of the governor backing any aspirant are untrue, stressing that Oyebanji has not endorsed anyone for the upcoming elections.

The APC reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, noting that all aspirants are free to campaign and present themselves to the electorate without interference. It added that the party will not tolerate attempts to mislead the public or undermine its democratic process through name-dropping.

The party urged aspirants to adhere to democratic principles and called on residents to verify political information through official channels. It also assured that all contestants would be given a level playing field in the lead-up to the National Assembly elections.