A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has issued a stark warning that Nigeria’s capital could face uncertainty under President Bola Tinubu if he secures a second term in 2027.
Amaechi made the remarks on Wednesday during the #OccupyINEC protest in Abuja, where opposition leaders gathered to challenge recent decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said the ADC is determined to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), drawing parallels with how the APC defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.
“The APC forced PDP out of office, and now it is our turn to do the same,” Amaechi declared. “If they remain in power, they may destroy this capital or even relocate it to Lagos. Nigerians must vote them out.”
The protest was organised by the ADC following INEC’s withdrawal of recognition from some party leaders amid an ongoing internal crisis, a move that has sparked tensions within opposition ranks.
Prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola, were also present, united in their call for a change in leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amaechi accused President Tinubu of weakening democratic institutions and suggested that the ruling party fears a credible electoral process.
“They claim to be popular, yet they are afraid of elections,” he said, referencing Tinubu’s past association with pro-democracy group National Democratic Coalition. “Democracy is being eroded under his leadership.”
He also criticised alleged moves to influence electoral processes, including leadership appointments within INEC, which he claimed were aimed at disadvantaging opposition parties.
According to Amaechi, restrictions on party registration and internal interference signal a broader attempt to control the political landscape ahead of future elections.
Beyond electoral concerns, he pointed to rising unemployment as a key failure of the current administration, urging Nigerians to demand accountability at the polls.
“Unemployment is increasing, and if Nigerians do not act, the situation will worsen,” he said. “I have played my part; the rest is now up to the people.”
The #OccupyINEC protest underscores growing political tensions as opposition parties intensify efforts to challenge the APC’s hold on power ahead of the next general elections.