By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

A coalition of civil society organisations under the auspices of Stand Up Nigeria has strongly condemned the recent protest by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Abuja, describing it as a “national embarrassment” and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic image.

The coalition, led by Comrade Sunday Attah, in a statement on Wednesday, said the protest paints the country in a negative light before the international community and undermines ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.

According to the group, the action by the ADC portrays Nigeria’s democracy as unstable and ineffective, a narrative they insist is both misleading and unacceptable.

“This protest is a total embarrassment to the image of Nigeria. It creates a wrong impression globally that our democracy is failing. This will not be tolerated by well-meaning Nigerians committed to democratic growth,” Attah said.

The coalition reaffirmed its full support for the Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, urging its chairman not to be distracted by what it described as “unwarranted pressure and theatrics.”

They commended the commission for ongoing reforms in the electoral process, noting that such efforts are crucial to deepening transparency, credibility, and public trust in Nigeria’s elections.

“We stand firmly with INEC and encourage the chairman to remain focused. The ongoing reforms will further strengthen and shape Nigeria’s democracy for the better,” the statement added.

The group further described individuals involved in the protest as posing a potential security threat, warning that actions capable of inciting unrest or undermining public order must be discouraged.

It advised aggrieved parties to seek legal redress through appropriate judicial channels rather than resorting to public demonstrations that could heighten tensions.

“If there are grievances, the courts remain the appropriate avenue for resolution. Resorting to protests of this nature only escalates tensions and threatens public peace,” the coalition stated.

The civil society groups reiterated their commitment to safeguarding democratic values and called on all political actors to act responsibly in the interest of national stability and unity.