Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside prominent opposition figures, staged a large-scale #OccupyINEC protest in Abuja to challenge a recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The demonstration followed INEC’s refusal to recognise correspondence from rival factions within the party, reportedly led by Senator David Mark and Nafiu Bala. The development has sparked accusations that the electoral body is interfering in internal party matters, particularly in the wake of a Court of Appeal ruling.

The protest, which took place at the Maitama Roundabout, drew hundreds of participants, including key political figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye.

Supporters aligned with the Kwankwasiyya movement were also present, chanting the historic anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” as demonstrators held placards expressing support for David Mark’s leadership within the party’s National Working Committee.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of opposition leaders, Obi stressed the importance of safeguarding democratic principles. In a statement shared via X, he said, “We are saying that our democracy must not be killed.”

The protest underscores growing tensions between political actors and the electoral commission, with opposition groups insisting that party autonomy must be respected.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered his country’s support to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route now caught in rising tensions.

The move follows reports that Iran has placed the vital waterway under what has been described as a “stranglehold,” sending shockwaves through global markets and raising fears over fuel supply disruptions.

Iran’s action is believed to be in response to recent military strikes, further escalating the already fragile situation in the Middle East.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday, Zelensky said Ukraine has not received any formal request to step in. However, he noted that he has already reached out to leaders in the Gulf region to offer assistance.

The development highlights growing international concern over the crisis and its potential impact on global trade.

Tensions rose during a recent town hall meeting in the United States as citizens openly confronted President Donald Trump over the ongoing war with Iran.

What started as a routine engagement quickly turned tense, with some attendees accusing the president of escalating military actions abroad to shift attention away from controversy linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Members of the audience expressed concern about the timing of the renewed strikes, noting that fresh details connected to the Epstein case had been making headlines in recent weeks.

The Epstein files, a large set of documents released earlier this year, have continued to draw public attention. Survivors and advocacy groups have raised concerns over missing records and redactions, while lawmakers across party lines have called for more transparency.

At the same time, the conflict involving Iran has intensified, with reports pointing to growing casualties and rising global tension. The situation has dominated news coverage, pushing other issues out of focus.

During the meeting, some participants directly questioned the administration, suggesting the war may be acting as a distraction. While there is no confirmed evidence to support this claim, the perception appears to be fueling public frustration.

Analysts say such speculation is not new, but in today’s fast moving media space, these narratives spread quickly, especially among a divided public.

By the end of the exchange, it was clear that the issue remains unresolved. With the war ongoing and questions around the Epstein files still lingering, pressure continues to build on the administration both at home and internationally.