THIS DAWN — A broad coalition of political leaders, civil society figures, labour representatives and policy experts has launched a new nationwide movement aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key members of the coalition include Prof. Pat Utomi as the Chairman and Comrade Ayuba Wabba as the Co-Chair.
Others are Hon. Dr. Usman Bugaje – Deputy Chairman (North), Amb. Nkoyo Toyo – Deputy Chairman (South), and Barr. Femi Falana, SAN, as the Legal Counsel.
Members include Senator Shehu Sani, Dr. Bilikisu Magoro, Comrade Ene Obi, High Chief Peter Ameh, Comrade Alex Adum, Lady Annkio Briggs, and a host of others.
The initiative emerged from the National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability, held on November 11, 2025, at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, with more than 600 participants in attendance.
Convened by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) in partnership with the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF), the summit was organised under the theme “Critical & Mandatory Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027.”
The gathering featured goodwill messages and keynote interventions from prominent national figures including former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Others present were Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The rest are Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Comrade Joe Ajaero, Prince Adewole Adebayo, Prof. Okey Okechukwu, Senator Shehu Sani, and others.
Move to save democracy
Speakers emphasised the Summit’s core objective: building national consensus around urgent constitutional and electoral reforms required to safeguard the integrity of the 2027 polls.
Discussions also examined the implications of recent warnings by U.S. President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s insecurity and the growing risks posed to political stability.
Participants highlighted several concerns, including government lapses in addressing insecurity.
They also deliberated on weaknesses in political party structures, as well as persistent electoral malpractices such as rigging, inducement, and manipulation.
Stakeholders stressed that without systemic reforms, Nigeria’s democracy would remain vulnerable.
The Summit adopted a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and overhauling the electoral framework.
Key proposals include granting INEC full financial autonomy through direct allocation from the Federation Account.
They also recommended implementing an open budget process and empowering the commission to independently prosecute electoral offenders.
Delegates also called for legal backing for early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting, and real-time electronic transmission of results.
Additional recommendations include insulating INEC appointments from executive influence.
They also advocated for an end to the perceived overreliance on the judiciary in determining election outcomes.
Also, on the front burner were creating constitutionally protected special seats for women and vulnerable groups.
They demanded that the burden of proof in election petitions be shifted from candidates to INEC.
At the close of the Summit, leaders formally launched the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE).
MCE is a citizens’ mass movement designed to mobilise Nigerians against rigging and manipulation.
An Interim Steering Leadership led by Prof. Pat Utomi was unveiled.
It featured labour leaders, legal experts, activists, and civic actors tasked with driving nationwide engagement ahead of 2027.
