A coalition of prominent national figures under the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has petitioned the House of Representatives to urgently initiate sweeping reforms to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections
In a petition submitted to Speaker Hon. Tajudenn Abbas, the coalition warned that trust in Nigeria’s electoral process has sunk to its lowest point.
Members of the body include:
- Usman Bugaje, Deputy Chairman (North)
- Femi Falana (SAN), Legal Counsel
- Pat Utomi, Chairman of the Interim Steering Council
- Oby Ezekwesili, former minister
- Ayuba Wabba, former NLC chairman and Co‑Chair
- Bilikisu Magoro
- Nkoyo Toyo, Deputy Chairman (South)
The group cited persistent insecurity, vote buying, voter intimidation, logistical breakdowns, and irregular deployment of technology as key factors undermining credible elections.
They stressed that only firm legislative action can prevent a repeat of the widespread dissatisfaction recorded in recent electoral cycles.
“The stakes are too high to ignore as the country approaches another critical national vote,” the petition stated.
Priority Reforms
The coalition listed urgent reforms lawmakers must address:
- Strengthening the Electoral Act.
- Enforcing electronic transmission of polling unit results.
- Tightening penalties for election offences.
- Bolstering the independence of the electoral commission through predictable funding and capacity building.
- Conducting an independent audit of election technologies, including BVAS and IREV.
- Expanding opportunities for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and Nigerians in the diaspora.
- Ensuring all election disputes are resolved before inauguration.
- Ending pre‑election judicial interventions that distort the process.
- Making party defections by elected officials a direct ground for loss of office and fresh elections.
The coalition argued that such measures would strengthen accountability and stabilise Nigeria’s party system.
MCE leaders said Nigeria has reached a critical turning point that requires courage from the legislature. They warned that the credibility of the 2027 elections depends on reforms enacted without delay.
The group pledged to support the National Assembly through technical input and public engagements but cautioned that it would mobilise citizens nationwide if lawmakers fail to act.
“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 statement signed by media coordinator Comrade James Zena I. read.
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