Abuja, Nigeria – February 27, 2026 – Supporters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staged a peaceful solidarity march in Abuja on Friday, organized by the Arewa Grassroots Leaders Assembly (AGLA), to express commendation for the electoral body and urge continued focus on credible polls ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demonstration commenced at the National Assembly complex and culminated at INEC headquarters, where participants waved placards with messages such as “Chairman, Stay the course,” “We support free, fair and peaceful elections,” and “Defend democracy.” Chants of encouragement filled the air as protesters emphasized backing for INEC's leadership and recent improvements in electoral processes.
The protest occurred against the backdrop of intensified criticism of the Electoral Act 2026, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law on February 18, 2026, following its passage by the National Assembly. Opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party's Peter Obi, and former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, have described the Act as anti-democratic and called for fresh amendments to address perceived flaws, particularly provisions seen as limiting transparency and opposition participation.
The Senate has rejected calls for immediate further amendments, advising critics to pursue changes through constitutional and legislative channels rather than public pressure campaigns targeting INEC. This stance has fueled debates, with some opposition parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) labeling the law as exclusionary and demanding its overhaul.
Addressing journalists at the protest venue, AGLA National President Collins Onogu clarified that the gathering was one of commendation, not condemnation. “We have gathered peacefully today at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission to lend our voices not in condemnation—but in commendation. This is a solidarity protest,” he stated. “This is a protest to say ‘Nigeria sees the progress, and we ask that it continues.’ This is a protest of encouragement.”
Onogu praised INEC's current leadership under Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (noting administrative continuity and reforms since late 2025), highlighting visible improvements in recent off-cycle elections. These include the Anambra governorship poll, Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, and bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states, which he described as largely peaceful, transparent, and well-coordinated.
He commended advancements in logistics—such as early material deployment—enhanced security, greater inclusion of youth and persons with disabilities as ad-hoc staff, and stakeholder engagement. Onogu specifically lauded upgrades to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), citing better stability, faster result uploads, safeguards against inflated vote counts, and near real-time public access.
“These innovations represent measurable progress in Nigeria’s electoral technology evolution,” Onogu said. “We encourage the Commission to continue investing in digital transparency tools that deepen public confidence.” He called for backup networks in low-connectivity areas and responsible support from political actors and media.
“Our presence here today is driven by one message – ‘Do not relent.’ Electoral reform is not an event, it is a journey,” he added.
The demonstration reflects a counter-narrative to widespread opposition critiques, with participants emphasizing trust-building through consistent credible processes. INEC has maintained that the Electoral Act 2026 introduces refinements for efficiency and security, including restrictions to direct primaries and consensus methods for nominations, while addressing past glitches and hacking concerns raised during earlier debates.
As preparations for 2027 intensify—with INEC's revised timetable now aligned to the new law—the protest underscores polarized views on electoral integrity. While critics demand amendments to enhance transparency (such as mandatory electronic transmission safeguards), supporters like AGLA argue for continuity and commend recent operational gains.
No major incidents were reported during the march, which remained orderly under police supervision. The event highlights the ongoing national conversation on strengthening democratic institutions amid preparations for what promises to be a highly competitive general election cycle.
