The Obidient Movement has called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, over the commission’s position on the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued by the group, it also announced plans for a nationwide protest, warning that the development poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The movement cautioned Nigerians against remaining silent, stating that inaction at this time could amount to complicity.
“There are moments in the life of a nation when silence becomes dangerous, and inaction becomes complicity. Nigeria has arrived at such a moment,” the statement read.
The group alleged that INEC is no longer widely perceived as an impartial institution under the current administration.
“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,” the statement added.
According to the movement, opposition voices in the country appear to be facing increasing pressure, raising concerns about the future of Nigeria’s multi-party system.
“When institutions lose credibility, the will of the people is endangered. And when that happens, citizens have a duty to act,” the group said.
Among its key demands, the movement called for the resignation of the INEC chairman, accusing him of “gross abuse of office, loss of public trust, and failure to uphold the neutrality required of that office.”
The group also demanded “an immediate end to political persecution, including all forms of intimidation, harassment, and targeting of opposition voices,” while calling for the protection of Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.
In addition, the movement urged authorities to respect the autonomy of political parties and refrain from interfering in their internal leadership matters, including the ongoing issues within the ADC.
The group further announced plans to commence a nationwide protest tagged #OccupyINEC, which it said would take place across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“In defence of these principles, we are commencing a nationwide peaceful protest starting immediately across all states and the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement concluded.
