A wide-ranging alliance of political figures, civil society leaders, labour representatives and pro-democracy activists has unveiled a new national platform dedicated to overhauling Nigeria’s troubled electoral system.
The initiative, called the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), emerged from the 2025 National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability of Nigeria, which took place on Tuesday in Abuja.
The summit was convened by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) in collaboration with the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF), drawing more than 600 participants from political parties, public institutions, the private sector, diaspora networks, academia and civic organisations. With the private sector, diaspora networks, academia and civic organisations. With the theme “Critical & Mandatory Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027,” the gathering sought to outline a unified national blueprint for electoral reforms ahead of the next general election.
Messages were delivered by former President Goodluck Jonathan; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and former presidential candidate Peter Obi. Also participating were NLC President Joe Ajaero; Pat Utomi, who chaired the organising committee; former Minister and keynote speaker Oby Ezekwesili; Shehu Sani; IPAC Chairman Mamman Dantalle; Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim; and legal practitioner Adewole Adebayo.
Much of the conversation centred on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the potential implications for the 2027 polls. Participants cited external warnings — including those attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump — as evidence that the country’s political stability is under serious strain.
Contributors argued that the unchecked rise in banditry, terrorism and violent crime has weakened state authority and created an environment where non-state actors flourish. They warned that the government’s inability to guarantee basic security has left the nation vulnerable to foreign interference.
Delegates also said the deteriorating security climate poses a direct threat to the next general elections, cautioning that many communities could be unreachable unless swift reforms are enacted. Several speakers maintained that credible elections cannot occur when citizens are displaced, intimidated
or denied access to polling centres.
Participants further faulted Nigeria’s political parties, accusing them of weak internal democracy and abuse of candidate-selection processes. According to speakers, these failings have transformed parties into vehicles for transactional politics rather than institutions that produce capable leaders, contributing to a broader governance breakdown.
Stakeholders at the summit jointly denounced the entrenched practices of rigging, vote buying, ballot snatching, suppression of voters, manipulation of results and the extensive litigation that follows nearly every election. They argued that unless these behaviours are eliminated, the integrity of the 2027 elections will remain questionable.
Speakers also noted that public trust in the electoral process has eroded, with outcomes often failing to reflect actual votes cast. Many referenced past instances where judicial rulings — rather than citizen ballots — determined winners, which they said has discouraged voter participation and weakened democracy.
Following extensive deliberations, the summit endorsed a series of reform proposals aimed at reengineering Nigeria’s electoral infrastructure.
A major focus was the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to receive funding directly from the Federation Account to limit undue influence. Stakeholders also called for INEC to adopt an open budgeting system that allows civil society oversight of its expenditures.
Participants insisted that INEC must be constitutionally empowered to prosecute electoral offenders without depending on the Police or the Attorney-General’s office. They urged lawmakers to legalise early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting and real-time electronic transmission of results, saying these measures would significantly curb manipulation.“Early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting, and real-time electronic transmission of results should be made legally mandatory to reduce or eradicate manipulation and circumvention of election results,” they said.
Delegates also pressed for reforms to the appointment process of INEC commissioners, arguing that the task should be removed from the Executive and handed to a diverse set of respected national actors. They condemned the current trend where courts decide final outcomes, calling it a distortion that undermines trust.
The summit further sought constitutional provisions for special seats for women and vulnerable groups, stating that: “The National Assembly should be compelled to provide for special seats for women and other vulnerable groups in the constitution to be elected and participate in governance.”
Another proposal was to shift the burden of proof in election petitions from candidates to INEC, which would be required to defend the results it announces.
A highlight of the event was the official rollout of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), designed as a broad citizen-driven platform mobilising Nigerians to demand clean elections and counter attempts at manipulation ahead of 2027.
The movement aims to build alliances across regions, professions and political interests, making electoral fraud both socially unacceptable and politically costly.
A 23-member Interim Steering Council was inaugurated to guide the new movement. Pat Utomi will chair the council, with former NLC President Ayuba Wabba serving as co-chair.
Other prominent members include Usman Bugaje (Deputy Chair, North), Nkoyo Toyo (Deputy Chair, South), human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Shehu Sani, Ankio Briggs, Bilikisu Magoro, Ene Obi and Peter Ameh.
The communiqué was signed by James Ezema, who was named Media Coordinator, while Olawale Okunniyi will lead the secretariat.
Additional members — including youth leaders, finance directors, mobilisation coordinators and communication specialists — were also announced. They are Alex Adum; Promise Adewusi, Director of Administration; Chris Uyot, Director of Mobilisation; Hamisu Turaki, Director of Mobilisation; Chris Iyovwaye, Director of Finance; Chris Azor, Director of Mobilisation; Mark Adebayo, Director of Mobilisation; Mustapha Nwaokobia, Director of Communications; Peter Akah, Director of Publicity; Kamal Ahmed, Youth Coordinator; and Hauwa Mustapha, Deputy Head of Secretariat.
(PREMIUM TIMES)
