Pro-INEC Protest in Abuja Amid Electoral Act 2026 Debate

On February 18, 2023, protests supporting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took place in Abuja, organized by the Arewa Grassroot Leaders. The demonstration aimed to show solidarity with INEC's leadership amid growing debates over the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026.

Protesters carried placards and chanted messages backing INEC as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. This protest followed the Senate's decision to reject calls for amendments to the Electoral Act 2026, which various opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, have criticized as unfriendly to democracy.

Collin Onogu, the national president of Arewa Grassroot Leaders, emphasized the need to encourage INEC rather than condemn it, highlighting improvements in recent electoral processes. He noted that INEC has successfully organized elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, and Kano, showcasing visible progress in logistics and technology.

The protest underscored the importance of continued public support for electoral reforms in Nigeria.