By Charles Maduka
Scores of protesters on Friday staged a peaceful solidarity march in Abuja in support of the Independent National Electoral Commission, urging the commission to remain focused ahead of the 2027 general elections. The protest was organised by the Arewa Grassroots Leaders Assembly, with demonstrators marching from the National Assembly complex to the INEC headquarters while chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards encouraging the commission to defend democracy.
The protest came amid rising tension over the Electoral Act 2026, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on February 18, 2026. Opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, had criticised the law and called for its amendment, but the Senate rejected the demand and advised them to follow due legislative procedures.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the National President of the group, Collins Onogu, explained that the gathering was meant to encourage and support the electoral body rather than condemn it. He noted that since assuming office in October 2025, the INEC chairman had demonstrated commitment to electoral reforms and successfully conducted key elections, including the Anambra governorship election, the Federal Capital Territory area council elections, and bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states.
He also commended the commission for improvements in election logistics, transparency, and inclusiveness, especially the participation of young people and persons with disabilities. According to him, recent elections showed progress in result transmission through upgrades to the INEC Result Viewing Portal, which improved transparency, strengthened result integrity, and allowed citizens and political parties to monitor election results more effectively.
INEC had earlier adjusted the timetable for the 2027 general elections, fixing January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, instead of the earlier scheduled date of February 20, 2027. The governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were previously fixed for March 6, 2027, but the revised timetable was introduced to align with the new Electoral Act and ensure proper preparation.
The protesters urged the commission to continue strengthening the electoral system and called on political actors, media organisations, and citizens to support efforts aimed at ensuring credible, peaceful, and transparent elections across the country.
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