Utomi, Falana, Ezekwesili seek automatic sack of defectors

File: National Assembly Complex

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A coalition of prominent civic leaders, labour figures and political actors under the aegis of the Movement for Credible Elections has asked the National Assembly to amend the law to ensure that any elected official who defects from the party under which they were elected automatically loses their seat.

The group said making cross-carpeting a ground for immediate loss of mandate and conduct of fresh elections would strengthen party discipline and protect the integrity of the ballot ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The demand formed part of a petition the coalition submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, dated December 10, 2025, calling for urgent and comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s electoral framework.

The MCE is led by personalities including political economist, Pat Utomi; former President, Nigerian Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba; Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana; and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili.

The petition read, “The coalition calls on the House of Representatives to prioritise a set of critical reforms, which include strengthening the Electoral Act to close loopholes and enhance accountability, mandating electronic transmission and real-time publication of polling-unit results on IREV.

“Tightening enforcement and penalties for electoral offences; strengthening INEC’s independence through autonomous funding and enhanced training for improved professional capacity.

“Ensuring all election disputes are concluded before swearing-in, ending pre-election judicial interference that disrupts the electoral process, making defections of elected officials to a different party other than the one for which they were elected a basis for loss of seat and fresh elections.”

Ahead of the 2027 elections, there are almost daily reports of governors and lawmakers at the state and federal levels defecting from one party to the other, with the ruling All Progressives Congress particularly receiving members of the opposition parties.

The coalition warned that confidence in Nigeria’s elections was “at an all-time low,” blaming recurring insecurity, vote-buying, voter suppression, logistical failures and inconsistent deployment of election technology.

It is, therefore, argued that unless the National Assembly acts swiftly, the credibility of the 2027 polls could be at risk.

Other reforms demanded are “independent audit of INEC’s technological systems, including BVAS, IReV, data storage and backup infrastructure, before the next general election.”

Other proposals include broader inclusion of youths, women and persons with disabilities; diaspora voting; strict internal party democracy; conclusion of all election petitions before swearing-in; and an end to pre-election judicial interventions that distort the electoral process.

“The 2027 elections present a defining moment for our democracy,” the petition stated.

“We must act now to rebuild public trust, strengthen institutions and protect the legitimacy of our electoral outcomes.”

The coalition said it was prepared to support the legislature through public hearings, technical submissions and sustained engagement to ensure the reforms are enacted.

It, however, warned that it would mobilise citizens for mass action if lawmakers fail to act on what it described as the “popular demands of Nigerians.”

Members of the Interim Steering Council who endorsed the petition include Utomi (chairman), Wabba (co-chairman), Bugaje and Toyo (deputy chairmen), Falana (legal counsel), Ezekwesili (special adviser), Senator Shehu Sanni, Bilikisu Magoro, Ene Obi, HC Peter Ameh, Alex Ardum, Promise Adewusi, and Chris Uyot.

Others are Hamisu San Turaki, Chris Iyovwaye, Chris Azor, Mark Adebayo, Peter Randy Akah, James Ezema, Kamal Yusuf Ahmed, Bala Zakka, Shettima Yerima, Salisu Mohammed, Hauwa Mustapha and Olawale Okunniyi, who serves as the head of the secretaria

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