A coalition of prominent national figures under the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called on the House of Representatives to urgently begin sweeping electoral reforms to restore public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group warned that failure by lawmakers to act promptly could trigger nationwide mass protests.
The MCE, a broad civic coalition formed after the National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability in Abuja, includes respected voices such as senior lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), political economist Prof. Pat Utomi, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, and former NLC president Ayuba Wabba, among others.
The movement said Nigerians were losing faith in the electoral process due to recurring allegations of manipulation, poor transparency, weak enforcement of electoral laws and the lack of autonomy for key institutions. It urged the National Assembly to treat electoral reforms as a national emergency.
In its communique, the group demanded full financial and operational autonomy for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing that the commission should receive its funding directly from the Federation Account to reduce political interference. It also called for independent prosecutorial powers that would allow INEC to handle electoral offences without relying entirely on the police or the Office of the Attorney-General.
Other key proposals include electronic voting, real-time electronic transmission of results, diaspora voting, early voting for essential workers, and a more transparent process for the appointment of INEC commissioners. The MCE also pushed for open budgeting and stronger civil society oversight of electoral activities.
Leaders of the coalition stated that credible elections in 2027 are impossible without urgent legislative action, stressing that the legitimacy of Nigeria’s democracy is at stake. They argued that reforms must begin now, not on the eve of elections, to avoid the systemic failures witnessed in past polls.
While urging peaceful engagement, the movement warned that it may mobilise citizens for nationwide protests if the House of Representatives and other arms of government continue to stall on commitments to electoral transparency and fairness.
The National Assembly has yet to issue an official response to the demands, but civil society groups say public pressure will intensify in the coming months as the countdown to the 2027 general elections accelerates.
Abuja Network News
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