Abuja, Nigeria – A large group of angry Nigerians on Wednesday stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, intensifying the ongoing “Operation Save Our Democracy” protest with direct calls for the removal of the commission’s chairman, Prof. Amupitan.
The demonstration, which began earlier at Unity Fountain in Maitama, spilled over to the INEC office, marking a significant escalation in the Save Democracy movement that has been gathering steam across the country in recent days. Protesters, many dressed in matching T-shirts boldly inscribed with “Operation Save Our Democracy,” arrived in their hundreds, waving placards and chanting slogans that reflected deep frustration with Nigeria’s electoral system.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as tense yet largely peaceful. The crowd remained loud and determined, moving in coordinated groups around the entrance of the INEC complex while chanting popular solidarity songs. One of the most repeated slogans was the defiant Pidgin English refrain, “We no go gree,” which reverberated across the premises. Another prominent demand was the outright rejection of the current leadership, with protesters repeatedly shouting, “INEC Chairman Amupitan must go!”
Placards carried by the demonstrators bore hard-hitting messages such as “INEC: Stop Serving APC!”, “Restore Credibility to Our Elections”, “Amupitan is a Disaster”, and “Save Our Democracy Now.” The red and white colours of the placards created a visually striking scene that drew the attention of passers-by and media personnel who quickly converged on the area.
Videos circulating on social media captured the charged atmosphere. Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu was seen actively engaging with the crowd, while social media personality Mama Pee and other well-known civic voices were equally visible, energising participants with powerful speeches and coordinated chants. Supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso formed a significant portion of the crowd, adding both numerical strength and political symbolism to the protest.
The demonstration is part of a broader push by the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform. In a related development, key ADC leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Senate President David Mark were spotted mobilising supporters at the Maitama Roundabout. The leaders appeared to be preparing for a larger convergence at INEC as the protest gained momentum throughout the day.
Security agencies maintained a heavy but professional presence around the INEC headquarters. Officers positioned at strategic points monitored the situation closely without interfering aggressively. As of the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed incidents of violence, arrests, or destruction of property, a development many observers described as commendable given the intensity of the protest.
Party officials and protest coordinators described the action as a legitimate exercise of citizens’ constitutional rights. “This is not a protest against Nigeria. It is a protest to save Nigeria’s democracy,” one coordinator told journalists at the scene. “INEC has repeatedly shown bias, and the recent derecognition of the David Mark-led ADC leadership is the last straw. Chairman Amupitan must honourably resign or be removed.”
The protest comes amid growing accusations that INEC is becoming increasingly partisan in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Critics point to several recent decisions by the commission, including the controversial handling of the ADC leadership crisis, as evidence of compromised neutrality. Opposition figures argue that such actions threaten the integrity of the 2027 general elections and could pave the way for a one-party state.
This latest demonstration builds on Tuesday and Wednesday’s earlier actions, where Dino Melaye led protesters in singing the old National Anthem “Arise, O Compatriots” at Unity Fountain in open defiance of the recently reinstated “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The combination of symbolic gestures and direct confrontation at INEC has given the Save Democracy movement fresh visibility and energy.
Political analysts believe the protest reflects deeper dissatisfaction among Nigerians with the current political climate. “The convergence of different opposition forces – Obidients, Kwankwasiyya, and seasoned politicians – under one umbrella is unprecedented in recent years,” said Dr. Chukwuma Odili, a political scientist at the University of Abuja. “If sustained, this could fundamentally alter the opposition landscape ahead of 2027.”
As the protesters remained at the INEC gate well into the afternoon, there was still no official reaction from the electoral commission or the federal government. Sources within INEC say the Chairman and management team are holding an emergency meeting to assess the situation. Security has been reinforced around key government installations in the Federal Capital Territory as a precautionary measure.
The involvement of high-profile figures such as Atiku Abubakar, who earlier posted on X explaining the protest’s objective as safeguarding democracy and preventing dictatorship, has given the movement national prominence. Peter Obi equally amplified the message, calling on all Nigerians to rise against alleged attempts to undermine democratic institutions.
Social media has been awash with videos and images from the protest, with hashtags #OperationSaveOurDemocracy and #AmupitanMustGo trending strongly. Many Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, have expressed support for the demonstrators, while a few voices aligned with the ruling party have criticised the protest as “premature political grandstanding.”
The protest also highlights the growing alliance within the ADC. The presence of Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and other heavyweights alongside Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso suggests that the coalition is serious about presenting a united front against the APC in the next electoral cycle.
As evening approached, protest leaders addressed the crowd, promising to sustain pressure until concrete reforms are achieved. They called for the immediate reconstitution of INEC’s leadership and the conduct of a transparent review of recent decisions affecting opposition parties.
The federal government is yet to issue any statement on the developments. However, the Minister of Information and National Orientation is expected to address the media soon on the matter.
For now, the INEC headquarters remains the focal point of national attention. The peaceful but resolute nature of the demonstration has once again placed the independence of Nigeria’s electoral umpire under intense public scrutiny. Whether this pressure will force institutional changes or merely deepen political polarisation remains to be seen.
The coming days are expected to be decisive as the opposition coalition plans further actions across major cities. For many participants, this is more than a protest – it is a battle to protect the future of democracy in Africa’s largest nation.
