By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
- Bugaje, Falana, Utomi, Ezekwesili, Wabba, Magoro, Nkoyo, Others Lead Mass Campaign to National Assembly
- Movement Set for Mass Action Over 2027
A broad coalition of national figures under the aegis of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has submitted a major petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, demanding urgent and far-reaching reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The petition, publicly endorsed by all leaders of the coalition, warns that public confidence in Nigeria’s elections has plunged to a historic low. The group cited persistent challenges—including insecurity, vote-buying, voter suppression, logistical lapses, and inconsistent deployment of election technology—as key factors eroding trust in the democratic process.
According to the MCE, failure to address these systemic issues could jeopardize the credibility, acceptance, and stability of the 2027 elections.
In the petition, the coalition called on the National Assembly to immediately prioritize a series of critical reforms, including:
Strengthening the Electoral Act to close loopholes and promote accountability
Mandating electronic transmission and real-time publication of polling-unit results on IREV
Enforcing tougher penalties for electoral offences
Enhancing INEC’s independence through autonomous funding and professional capacity building
Conducting an independent technology audit of INEC systems—BVAS, IREV, data storage, and redundancy infrastructure—before 2027
Promoting inclusion of youths, women, and persons with disabilities, and advancing diaspora voting
Mandating internal party democracy and transparent primaries
Ensuring all election disputes are resolved before swearing-in
Ending pre-election judicial interference
Making party defections by elected officials grounds for loss of seat and a fresh election
The leaders emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy has reached a “critical crossroads,” insisting that bold legislative action is now a national priority.
“The 2027 elections present a defining moment for our democracy. We must act now to rebuild public trust, strengthen institutions, and protect the legitimacy of our electoral outcomes,” the MCE said.
While pledging to support the National Assembly through technical input, public hearings, and sustained engagement, the movement warned that it would mobilize citizens for mass action should lawmakers fail to act on what it described as the “clear and popular demands of Nigerians.”
The petition was endorsed by members of the MCE Interim Steering Council, including:
Prof. Pat Utomi (Chairman); Comrade Ayuba Wabba (Co-Chairman); Hon. Dr. Usman Bugaje (Deputy Chairman, North); Amb. Nkoyo Toyo (Deputy Chairman, South); Barr. Femi Falana (Group Legal Counsel); Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (Group Special Adviser); Senator Shehu Sani; Dr. Bilikisu Magoro; Comrade Ene Obi; HC Peter Ameh; Comrade Alex Ardum; Comrade Promise Adewusi, mni (Director of Administration); Comrade Chris Uyot and Mallam Hamisu San Turaki (Directors of Mobilisation); Deacon Chris Iyovwaye (Director of Finance); Prince Chris Azor and Comrade Mark Adebayo (Directors of Mobilisation); Peter Randy Akah (Director of Publicity); Comrade James Ezema (Media Coordinator); Comrade Kamal Yusuf Ahmed (Youth Coordinator); Comrade Bala Zakka (Director of Research); Alhaji Shettima Yerima and Comrade Salisu Mohammed (Ex-Officio Members); Comrade Hauwa Mustapha (Deputy Head of Secretariat); and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi (Head of Secretariat).
