A new citizens-led platform, the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has been launched following the National Political Summit held on 11 November 2025 in Abuja, where leading political actors and civil society figures, including Pat Utomi, Usman Bugaje, Femi Falana, Oby Ezekwesili, Ayuba Wabba, Nkoyo Toyo, Bilikisu Magoro, Ankio Briggs, Ene Obi, and San Turaki, agreed to drive fresh efforts toward electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Summit, convened by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) and the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF), drew over 600 delegates from government, the private sector, civil society, political parties, academia, the diaspora, and other groups. It was held under the theme ?Critical & Mandatory Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027.?

Goodwill messages and keynote contributions came from former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Summit LOC Chairman Pat Utomi, keynote speaker Oby Ezekwesili, NLC President Joe Ajaero, former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, and several other political and civic leaders.

The Summit examined constitutional amendments required to improve Nigeria?s electoral system and discussed concerns raised over the ?warning of United States President, Donald Trump,? which participants linked to growing insecurity and the need for a credible electoral framework. Delegates also reviewed issues tied to political party reform, insecurity, and the impact of election rigging on governance and public trust.

In its communiqu?, the Summit noted that ?government?s laxity and insensitivity in protecting citizens? lives have emboldened banditry and terrorism,? adding that this has contributed to external interventions because ?sovereignty is not absolute in international relations.? Stakeholders also stressed the need to reform political parties and INEC, describing parties as essential training grounds for political leaders.

Participants called for stronger action against practices associated with election rigging, including inducement, fraud, and manipulation. Several recommendations were adopted, including full financial autonomy for INEC through direct funding from the Federation Account, an open budget system, constitutional powers for the Commission to prosecute electoral offenders, and mandatory early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting, and real-time electronic transmission of results.

Delegates also backed reforms to insulate INEC appointments from the Executive, end the dominance of courts in determining electoral outcomes, and create constitutionally guaranteed special seats for women and other vulnerable groups. The communiqu? proposed an amendment to remove the burden of proof in election petitions from candidates and political parties.

The Summit concluded with a call for urgent reforms before the 2027 elections and advised that Nigeria engage diplomatically with the United States ?on the basis of mutual respect and openness.?

The Interim Steering Council of the newly launched Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) was also announced, with Pat Utomi named Chairman; Ayuba Wabba as Co-Chair; Usman Bugaje and Nkoyo Toyo as Deputy Chairmen; Femi Falana as Legal Counsel; and several others heading administration, mobilization, communications, and finance.

The MCE is expected to coordinate nationwide mobilisation aimed at ending election manipulation and strengthening Nigeria?s electoral integrity ahead of 2027. (Nigerian Tribune)

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