A high-profile coalition of prominent figures, operating under the umbrella of a major democratic movement, has issued a stark warning to the National Assembly, demanding sweeping electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group, comprising distinguished leaders from civil society, labour, and academia, has threatened to mobilize citizens nationwide if the lawmakers fail to act on their proposed changes without delay.
The body’s leadership includes veteran activist and legal counsel Femi Falana (SAN), Interim Steering Council Chairman Pat Utomi, former Minister Oby Ezekwesili, former NLC chairman and Co-Chair Ayuba Wabba, Deputy Chairman (North) Usman Bugaje, and Deputy Chairman (South) Nkoyo Toyo, alongside Bilikisu Magoro, among others.
In a comprehensive petition formally submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the coalition leaders delivered a grim assessment: public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system has sunk to its lowest recorded point. They specifically cited persistent issues like widespread insecurity, vote buying, voter intimidation, major logistical breakdowns, and the inconsistent deployment of technology as key factors that have continuously undermined the credibility of elections.
The movement firmly believes that only decisive legislative action can prevent the widespread dissatisfaction witnessed in recent electoral cycles from being repeated. Given the country is approaching another critical national vote, the coalition stressed that the stakes for the nation are simply too high to ignore.
The group outlined an immediate action plan, detailing priority reforms that lawmakers must address. These include:
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Strengthening the Electoral Act immediately.
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Enforcing the electronic transmission of polling unit results for transparency.
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Tightening penalties for all election offences.
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Bolstering the independence of the electoral commission through predictable funding and capacity building.
Furthermore, the coalition called for an independent audit of all election technologies, notably the BVAS and the IREV portals. They also pressed for greater opportunities and inclusion for crucial demographics, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and Nigerians residing in the diaspora.
Beyond procedural changes, the group urged the National Assembly to ensure that all election-related disputes are completely resolved before the inauguration of any elected official. They also demanded an end to pre-election judicial interventions that currently have the power to distort the integrity of the process. In a move aimed at enhancing political accountability, the petition strongly pressed lawmakers to make party defection by elected officials a direct ground for loss of office and fresh elections, arguing that this measure would stabilize the party system.
The leaders concluded by stating that Nigeria has reached a critical turning point that demands courage from the legislature. They warned that the credibility of the 2027 elections hinges entirely on these reforms, which must be enacted without further delay.
The coalition, in a statement released by media coordinator Comrade James Zena I, pledged to actively support the National Assembly by providing necessary technical input and participating in public engagements to ensure their proposals are fully considered. However, they made it clear that their patience has limits. “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.”
