By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Members of the Concerned Nigeria Youth Forum staged a solidarity march in Abuja on Tuesday, throwing their weight behind the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Led by its convener, Adeyeye Olugbenga, the group said the demonstration was aimed at defending Nigeria’s democracy and protecting the integrity of the country’s electoral management body.
Speaking at the rally, Olugbenga accused unspecified “destructive elements” of launching attacks on INEC after the commission complied with a court injunction that led to the removal of what the group described as the “illegal leadership of ADC in person of David Mark” from the commission’s portal.
He also condemned a 48-hour ultimatum issued to the INEC chairman by individuals he described as “faceless,” arguing that such actions threaten institutional independence.
“We realised few days ago that they have mobilised their attack dogs,” Olugbenga said, without naming any group or individuals.
He affirmed that the forum would continue to back the electoral commission, insisting that all of INEC’s recent actions were rooted in due process.
“We are here to make a bold statement that the solidarity for INEC and the leadership of INEC continues. We will continue to protect and support the institution of INEC because it is based on credibility,” he added.
No counter-protest or security breach was reported during the march, which ended peacefully at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
