LEADERS, COALITION PETITION NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR URGENT ELECTORAL REFORMS AHEAD OF 2027

A broad national coalition, the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has submitted a formal petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives demanding immediate and comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The group warned that public confidence in the nation’s elections is at an all-time low.

In a statement, the Media Coordinator of the MCE, Comrade James Ezema, said the coalition cited recurring challenges such as widespread insecurity, vote-buying, voter suppression, logistical failures, and inconsistent deployment of election technology. The petition, endorsed by the movement’s interim leadership, emphasized that unless these issues are addressed, the credibility and acceptance of the 2027 elections could be severely compromised.

The petition calls on the House of Representatives to prioritize a set of critical reforms. These include strengthening the Electoral Act to close loopholes and enhance accountability, mandating electronic transmission and real-time publication of polling-unit results on IREV, and tightening enforcement and penalties for electoral offences. It also demands strengthening INEC’s independence through autonomous funding and enhanced training, conducting an independent technology audit of INEC’s systems including BVAS and IREV ahead of 2027, and promoting the inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities while advancing diaspora voting. Further demands are enforcing internal party democracy and transparent primaries, ensuring all election disputes are concluded before swearing-in, ending pre-election judicial interference, and making defections of elected officials a basis for loss of seat and fresh elections.

Ezema stated that the coalition leaders noted Nigeria’s democracy stands at a critical crossroads and stressed that bold legislative action is now a national imperative. “The 2027 elections present a defining moment for our democracy. We must act now to rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s democracy, strengthen public institutions, and protect the legitimacy of our electoral outcomes,” the coalition stated.

The Movement affirmed its readiness to support the National Assembly through public hearings and technical input but vowed to resort to mass citizen mobilization if the lawmakers fail to embrace the demands. The Interim Steering Council of the MCE includes Prof Pat Utomi as Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Waaba as Co Chairman, Hon Dr Usman Bugaje, Amb Nkoyo Toyo, Barr Femi Falana, SAN, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Senator Shehu Sanni, Dr Bilikisu Magoro, Comrade Ene Obi, HC Peter Ameh, Comrade Alex Ardum, Comrade Promise Adewusi, mni, Comrade Chris Uyot, Mallam Hamisu San Turaki, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, Prince Chris Azor, Comrade Mark Adebayo, Peter Randy Akah, Comrade James Ezema, Comrade Kamal Yusuf Ahmed, Comrade Bala Zakka, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, Comrade Salisu Mohammed, Comrade Hauwa Mustapha, and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi.