The Obidient Movement has reaffirmed its resolve to proceed with a planned nationwide protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission, despite rising political tension across the country. The group’s National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, disclosed this in an exclusive interview, stressing that mobilisation efforts were ongoing and supporters remained committed to the action.
Tanko, however, declined to disclose the specific date for the protest, citing concerns over possible harassment and intimidation of participants.
He said, “No, we cannot reveal the date now. We also know they are planning for us. Of course, INEC is our target.”
He accused the electoral body of overstepping its role, stating, “This commission is now becoming the arbiter, judge, accuser and defender at the same time.”
The coordinator further criticised the commission’s actions, alleging they were fuelling division within opposition ranks. “Our major issue is the manner in which INEC has been going about creating disaffection in the opposition,” he said.
Tanko noted that public frustration was mounting, adding, “The people are really angry and plan to show this anger by coming out. So, we’ll expect them to come out en masse for a peaceful rally. Then we’ll just demonstrate and protest.”
He emphasised that the protest was driven by a call for accountability rather than conflict, stating, “All Nigerians are asking for is not a war, but for those in authority to do the right thing.”
On broader participation, he urged civil society groups and citizens to join the movement, warning of worsening conditions if action was not taken. “Everybody should be involved in this matter... We need to defend the sovereignty of Nigeria, not individuals,” he added.
The planned protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, comes amid growing controversy over the commission’s recent decisions affecting the African Democratic Congress and concerns about its neutrality.
In a statement dated April 2, the movement said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which should stand as an impartial guardian of the people’s will, is increasingly perceived as compromised under the present administration.”
The group warned of threats to Nigeria’s democratic system, stating, “When institutions lose credibility, the will of the people is endangered. And when that happens, citizens have a duty to act.”
Among its demands are the resignation of the INEC chairman over alleged “gross abuse of office, loss of public trust, and failure to uphold the neutrality required of that office.”
The movement also called for “an immediate end to political persecution,” protection of opposition voices, and respect for party autonomy, particularly within the African Democratic Congress.
Tensions intensified after INEC announced it would no longer accept correspondence from factions of the ADC led by David Mark and Rafiu Bala, following its review of a Court of Appeal judgment on the party’s leadership dispute.
The decision has drawn criticism, with the Mark-led faction indicating plans to escalate the matter internationally while accusing the ruling party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of involvement in the crisis.
