Political leaders, labour, civil society launch movement for credible elections ahead of 2027 polls

A coalition of prominent political figures, labour leaders, and pro-democracy activists has launched a new nationwide campaign to reform Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative, known as the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), was formally unveiled at the 2025 National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability, held Tuesday in Abuja.

Organised by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) in partnership with the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF), the summit brought together more than 600 participants, including former heads of state, serving governors, party leaders, academics and diaspora representatives. The theme was “Critical & Mandatory Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027.”

Notable contributors included former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, NLC President Joe Ajaero, Prof. Pat Utomi, Oby Ezekwesili, Shehu Sani, IPAC Chairman Mamman Dantalle and legal expert Adewole Adebayo.

Speakers warned that worsening insecurity poses a direct threat to the 2027 polls, saying that banditry, terrorism and political violence could prevent millions from voting. Some participants also referenced international warnings about Nigeria’s stability, arguing that foreign interference may become easier if elections hold under chaotic conditions.

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Delegates condemned the entrenched culture of vote buying, ballot snatching, rigging, voter suppression and judicially decided election results, insisting that credible polls cannot occur unless systemic abuses are eliminated.

A key demand was the urgent restructuring of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Stakeholders proposed:

• Direct funding for INEC from the Federation Account
• Full public scrutiny of INEC’s budget
• Legal powers for INEC to prosecute electoral offenders
• Constitutional approval for electronic voting, diaspora voting, early voting and real-time electronic transmission of results

They further called for a new appointment process for INEC commissioners that excludes the Executive, warning that judicial resolution of election disputes has eroded public trust.

The summit also recommended constitutional provisions for special seats for women and marginalised groups, and a reversal of the electoral burden of proof — forcing INEC, not candidates, to defend declared results.

A major highlight was the inauguration of a 23-member Interim Steering Council to lead the MCE. Prof. Pat Utomi will serve as Chairman, with former NLC President Ayuba Wabba as Co-Chair. Other key members include Femi Falana, Shehu Sani, Usman Bugaje, Nkoyo Toyo, Ankio Briggs, Bilikisu Magoro and Ene Obi.

A signed communiqué named James Ezema as Media Coordinator and Olawale Okunniyi as Secretary, alongside directors for finance, mobilisation, youth outreach and communication.

The Movement for Credible Elections will operate as a nationwide citizen-driven platform to confront electoral manipulation and mobilise Nigerians to protect the integrity of the 2027 polls.

Political leaders, labour, civil society launch movement for credible elections ahead of 2027 polls