OBIDIENT MOVEMENT INSISTS ON NATIONWIDE PROTEST AGAINST INEC, REFUSES TO REVEAL DATE OVER SECURITY CONCERNS. (PHOTO).

The Obidient Movement has vowed to proceed with its planned nationwide protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite rising tensions and alleged intimidation.

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, made this declaration in a recent interview, emphasising the group’s resolve to mobilise supporters across the country for the demonstration, tagged #OccupyINEC.

Tanko, however, declined to disclose the exact date of the protest, citing fears of further harassment and intimidation of potential participants.

“No, we cannot reveal the date now. We also know they are planning for us. Of course, INEC is our target,” he said.

Tanko accused the electoral body of acting as “arbiter, judge, accuser and defender at the same time,” claiming INEC’s actions were creating disaffection within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Our major issue is the manner in which INEC has been going about creating disaffection in the opposition. The people are really angry and plan to show this anger by coming out,” he added.

He called on Nigerians to turn out en masse for what he described as a peaceful rally to express their grievances.

Tanko stressed that the movement was not calling for violence but demanding that those in authority “do the right thing.”

“The situation in our country is so unpredictable to the point that even those in government are no longer disturbed by rallies and protests. It doesn’t shake them. But we know something else will shake them. All Nigerians are asking for is not a war, but for those in authority to do the right thing,” he said.

On the involvement of civil society organisations, Tanko urged broad participation, warning that failure to act could have dire consequences for the nation.

“Everybody should be involved in this matter. If we continue in this line, one day we will not even be able to go to the toilet in this country. So they have no choice but to come out and defend the interests of this country. We need to defend the sovereignty of Nigeria, not individuals. That’s what we are doing,” he added.