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…Bugaje, Falana, Utomi, Ezekwesili, Wabba, Nkoyo, Magoro and Others Spearhead National Campaign for Credible Elections

…Movement for Credible Elections Threatens Mass Action if Lawmakers Fail to Act

Nigeria’s march toward the 2027 General Elections entered a decisive phase on Wednesday as the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), a broad national coalition of eminent leaders, civil society groups, labour unions, youth platforms and pro-democracy stakeholders, submitted a strongly worded petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives demanding urgent and sweeping reforms of Nigeria’s electoral system.

The petition was delivered during a high-profile advocacy march to the National Assembly, drawing participation from some of the most influential voices in public life, including Prof. Pat Utomi, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Femi Falana SAN, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Senator Shehu Sanni and several labour, youth and community leaders.

In its statement, widely circulated ahead of the submission, the coalition warned that public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process has sunk to an all-time low. It cited recurring problems such as widespread insecurity, vote-buying, voter suppression, logistical breakdowns and inconsistent deployment of election technology. According to the movement, unless bold steps are taken now, the credibility and acceptance of the 2027 elections may be seriously undermined.

The coalition called on the House of Representatives to embark on a comprehensive legislative overhaul of the electoral framework.

According to the statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, the Media Coordinator of MCE, the group urged the National Assembly to strengthen the Electoral Act to close loopholes and improve accountability; mandate electronic transmission and real-time publication of polling-unit results on the INEC Result Viewing Portal; tighten enforcement and penalties for electoral offences; and guarantee the independence of INEC through autonomous funding and enhanced institutional capacity.

The coalition also demanded an independent technology audit of INEC’s systems, including BVAS, IREV, data storage and redundant infrastructure, ahead of the 2027 elections.

In addition, the group pressed for expanded political inclusion for young people, women and persons with disabilities, while also advancing diaspora voting and enforcing genuine internal party democracy through transparent primaries, insisting that all election disputes must be concluded before the swearing-in of elected officials and condemned pre-election judicial interference that distorts the electoral process.

The petition further called for a constitutional amendment making defections by elected officials grounds for immediate loss of seat and the conduct of fresh elections.

The MCE emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy is standing at a crossroads and requires strong legislative action to protect its future. It described the 2027 elections as a defining moment in the nation’s democratic journey and stressed the urgency of rebuilding public trust, strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding the legitimacy of electoral outcomes.

While affirming its readiness to support the National Assembly through public hearings, technical consultations and sustained civic engagement, the movement warned that it would not hesitate to mobilize citizens across the country if lawmakers fail to respond to the popular demands presented to them.

The petition was endorsed by the full Interim Steering Council of the Movement for Credible Elections, led by Prof. Pat Utomi as Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Wabba as Co-Chairman, Dr. Usman Bugaje as Deputy Chairman (North), Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo as Deputy Chairman (South) and Barrister Femi Falana SAN as Group Legal Counsel. Others include 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, Head of Secretariat.

With just two years to the next general elections, many analysts say this petition represents one of the most coordinated civic campaigns for electoral reform since the return to civilian rule.

The size of the coalition, the credibility of its leaders and its threat of mass action signal a new phase of national urgency around safeguarding electoral integrity. As debates intensify in the coming weeks, the MCE’s intervention is expected to shape the national conversation on the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

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