2027: Falana, Utomi, Others, Demand Electoral Reforms, Threaten Mass Protest

A coalition of prominent national figures under the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has asked the House of Representatives to urgently initiate sweeping reforms to restore public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Members of the body include Usman Bugaje, its Deputy Chairman (North), Femi Falana (SAN) (Legal Counsel), Pat Utomi, Chairman of the Interim Steering Council, former minister Oby Ezekwesili, former NLC chairman, Ayuba Wabba (Co-Chair), Bilikisu Magoro and Nkoyo Toyo Deputy Chairman (South), among others.

In a petition submitted to the Speaker, Hon Tajudenn Abbas, MCE leaders warned that trust in Nigeria’s electoral system has sunk to its lowest point.

They cited persistent insecurity, vote buying, voter intimidation, logistical breakdowns and irregular deployment of technology as key factors undermining credible elections.

According to the movement, only firm legislative action can prevent a repeat of the widespread dissatisfaction recorded in recent electoral cycles.

They said the stakes are too high to ignore as the country approaches another critical national vote.

The coalition listed priority reforms that lawmakers must address immediately to include strengthening the Electoral Act, enforcing electronic transmission of polling unit results, tightening penalties for election offences and bolstering the independence of the electoral commission through predictable funding and improved capacity building.

It also called for an independent audit of all election technologies, including BVAS and IREV, and demanded more opportunities for women, youth, persons with disabilities and Nigerians in the diaspora.

The group further urged the National Assembly to ensure that all election disputes were resolved before inauguration and to end pre-election judicial interventions that distort the process.

The petition pressed lawmakers to make party defections by elected officials a direct ground for loss of office and fresh elections.

It argued that such a measure would strengthen accountability and stabilise the party system.

The coalition said Nigeria has reached a critical turning point that requires courage from the legislature.

It warned that the credibility of the 2027 elections depends on reforms that must be enacted without delay.

MCE leaders pledged to support the National Assembly through technical input and public engagements to ensure the proposals are fully considered.

But they added that the movement will not hesitate to mobilise citizens nationwide if lawmakers fail to act on what they described as the clear demands of Nigerians.

“We are ready to work with the National Assembly to deliver credible reforms. But if these demands are not acted upon, we will have no choice but to mobilise citizens across the country in defence of their democratic rights”, the group submitted in a statement by its media coordinator, Comrade James Zena I.

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