By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja
A political pressure group known as the Obidient Movement has called for nationwide protests against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which it accused as being increasingly perceived as compromised under the present administration.
In press statement issued on Thursday, Obidient Movement said that INEC, which should stand as an impartial guardian of the people’s will, has decided to work against the interests of the people of Nigeria.
The statement titled: A CALL TO SAVE NIGERIA: NATIONWIDE PROTEST TO DEFEND NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY” read:
“There are moments in the life of a nation when silence becomes dangerous and inaction becomes complicity. Nigeria has arrived at such a moment.
Across the country, there is a growing sense that the foundations of our democracy are being tested.
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.
At the same time, opposition voices appear to be under pressure in ways that raise serious concerns about the future of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
When institutions lose credibility, the will of the people is endangered. And when that happens, citizens have a duty to act.
The Obidient Movement remains committed to a Nigeria where institutions are strong, elections are credible, and leadership reflects the true choice of the people. It is from this position of responsibility that we state clearly that urgent corrective action is required to restore confidence in the electoral system and protect the integrity of our democracy.
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Our Demands
The resignation of the INEC Chairman for gross abuse of office, loss of public trust, and failure to uphold the neutrality required of that office.
An immediate end to political persecution, including all forms of intimidation, harassment, and targeting of opposition voices.
The protection of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, with a halt to all actions that undermine opposition parties.
Full respect for party autonomy, ensuring that the internal leadership and integrity of political parties, including ADC, are not interfered with.
In defence of these principles, we are commencing a nationwide peaceful protest, #OccupyINEC, starting immediately across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
This is a call to action grounded not in anger, but in duty — a collective effort to safeguard the democratic future of our country.
In Abuja, participants will converge at the ADC National Headquarters. The date and time will be announced accordingly, from where a peaceful march will proceed to the INEC Headquarters.
Across the nation, Obidients and all well-meaning Nigerians are encouraged to organise, mobilise, and participate in a coordinated and disciplined manner.
This moment goes beyond party lines. It is about the survival of democratic values and the protection of the Nigerian state itself.
We will remain peaceful, we will remain lawful, but we will not stand by while our democracy is weakened.
Nigeria must not become a one-party state. We will stand, firmly and collectively, until what is right is done.
A New Nigeria is Possible — but only if we defend it.”
