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ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has commenced tactical engagements with presidential candidates and leaders of opposition political parties as part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate a common political front and consensus candidacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development follows the establishment of the MCE Political Commission in July 2026, with the mandate of rallying and coalescing opposition parties, presidential candidates and other stakeholders around areas of convergence capable of strengthening democratic competition in Nigeria.
According to the MCE National Secretariat, the Political Commission is chaired by Professor Patrick Utomi, Convener of the Big Tent Political Movement and one of the founding leaders of MCE.
The Commission has been mandated to engage presidential candidates and their respective party leaders, while the MCE National Secretariat undertakes a comprehensive assessment of the profiles, ideologies, electoral programmes, curricula vitae and other relevant credentials of prospective candidates and parties.
Following what the organisation described as a “thorough and painstaking scrutiny and assessment,” seven opposition political parties and their presidential candidates have been shortlisted for final engagements and possible endorsement.
The MCE said the names and profiles of the seven shortlisted political parties and presidential candidates would be formally unveiled at a major press conference next week.
The press conference is also expected to provide details of the Commission’s work plan, operational modalities and working subcommittees.
Apart from Professor Utomi, members of the Political Commission expected to participate in tactical engagements with the shortlisted presidential candidates and their parties include Hadjia Maryam Inna Ciroma, Mrs Modupe Adelaja, Comrade Solomon Dalung, Hon. Uche Onyeagocha, Dr Olusegun Mayegun, Dr Sam Amadi, Dr Mike Iginni, Obongawan Barbara Etim James, Veteran Olawale Okunniyi and Dr Adum Ter Alex, among others who may subsequently be co-opted into the Commission.
The MCE said its approach has also been informed by a review of the Ibadan Opposition Summit held in April 2026 and the historic declaration that emerged from the meeting.
It said the review had made it necessary to adopt a more practical, tactical and inclusive implementation framework involving concrete power-sharing negotiations and an unambiguous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be endorsed by the participating political parties and presidential candidates in November 2026, subject to the successful conclusion of negotiations.
The organisation explained that the proposed power-sharing framework was intended to provide clarity and confidence among participating political parties and candidates while ensuring that the coalition is built on mutual commitments rather than vague political assurances.
The MCE further announced plans to incorporate other concerned stakeholders into the negotiation process, including members of the G-100 Nigerians, describing them as “partners in progress” towards achieving a broad-based opposition consensus.
The organisation said the ultimate objective is to develop a common, pro-people and pro-democracy agenda that could serve as a credible democratic alternative for Nigerian voters in the 2027 elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the objective of MCE intervention is to mobilise the Nigerian opposition into a common ideological programme and credible candidacy with the aim of saving democracy and the country from looming anarchy,” the statement said.
The Movement stressed that its intervention was not designed to impose any candidate or dictate electoral outcomes.
“It is by no means an attempt to impose a candidate or dictate electoral outcomes, but to encourage an electoral balance of forces and to enable opposition forces and stakeholders explore areas of convergence in the interest of the nation and its largely impoverished population,” it stated.
According to MCE, greater cooperation among opposition forces could strengthen electoral competitiveness while promoting democratic balance, institutional stability and political accountability.
The Movement said its intervention was “pro-democracy, pro-people and pan-Nigerian,” adding that its objective was to safeguard the democratic future of all Nigerians, including members and supporters of the ruling party.
It maintained that a stronger and more competitive political environment would ultimately benefit the country by giving citizens genuine choices at the ballot box.
Meanwhile, MCE said it had concluded plans to organise a crucial leadership retreat for its members, allies and volunteers as part of efforts to strengthen internal coordination ahead of the 2027 elections.
The retreat will bring together leaders, volunteers and associates of the Movement for a formal organisational engagement aimed at briefing participants, assigning responsibilities and ensuring that its structures are effectively positioned for the electoral mobilisation ahead.
The organisation said the retreat would also help prepare its members and volunteers for the task of promoting credible elections and ensuring that citizens’ votes count in 2027.
The Movement reaffirmed its belief that democracy is best protected when citizens have genuine choices, democratic institutions are credible, political competition is allowed to flourish and the electoral process is sufficiently robust to reflect the will of the people.
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