By BONIFACE AKARAH

A coalition of pro-democracy advocates and political stakeholders has expressed fears that Nigeria may be drifting towards "imminent collapse," unveiling plans to rally citizens and democratic forces across the country to rescue the nation from what it described as the suffocating grip of political opportunists and deepening national crises.

The position was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by Dr Tunji Abayomi, Comrade Solomon Dalung, Prof Sadiq Abubakar Umar Gombe, Prof (Mrs.) Remi Sonaiya, Mr Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Comrade Olusegun Mayegun, Dr Tanko Yunusa and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi on behalf of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) and the June 12 Democracy Movement at the end of the June 12 Democracy Anniversary dialogue held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The communiqué, amplified by the Good Governance Group (GGG), said the anniversary dialogue was convened against the backdrop of declining public trust in the electoral process, widespread insecurity, worsening poverty and what it described as a growing loss of faith in the Nigerian project by many citizens.

Participants at the event had earlier paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other heroes and heroines of democracy at the MKO Abiola Democracy Centre before converging on the Lagos Airport Hotel for deliberations on the state of the nation.

Among those who contributed to discussions at the commemorative gathering were Dr Tunji Abayomi, Prince Adewole Adebayo, Prof Sylvester Odion Akhaine, Comrade Dr Olusegun Mayegun, former Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Iginni, Prof Sadiq Abubakar Umar Gombe, Prof Anthony Kila, Dr Tanko Yunusa, Prof Remi Sonaiya, Comrade Wale Okunniyi, Mr Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Oloye Adeboyega Adeniji and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Comrade Solomon Dalung.

"The Anniversary was held against the backdrop of sundry national crises underlined by declining trust in the electoral process, widespread insecurity, general impoverishment of the Nigerian citizens and loss of faith in and love for the nation by majority of Nigerians," the communiqué stated.

Following what it described as exhaustive deliberations, the stakeholders concluded that Nigeria was in dire straits and required urgent intervention.

On electoral reforms, the forum called for urgent amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections to guarantee credible polls that reflect the genuine will of Nigerians.

"That there should be in place, before the 2027 elections, a credible electoral process that represents the clear will and wish of our people arising from urgent review of the Electoral Act by the National Assembly," the communiqué stated.

The stakeholders also urged government at all levels to demonstrate greater responsibility and accountability in the management of national resources.

"Government should be more responsible and accountable in the management of national resources such that the wealth of the nation should be deployed and expended on the welfare, security and well-being of Nigerians," they said.

Expressing concern over the worsening security situation, the participants said the country remained under "an insecurity siege of terrorism and banditry."

They called on government to work closely with communities across the country to take effective measures to tackle the escalating insecurity without further delay.

The forum further identified declining agricultural productivity and food insecurity as existential threats requiring practical and immediate solutions.

"Government needs to tackle this existential threat through concrete steps beyond mere assurances," the communiqué added.

On constitutional reforms, the stakeholders revisited the long-running debate surrounding the legitimacy of the 1999 Constitution, insisting that Nigerians should be allowed to produce a truly democratic constitution for themselves.

"The military as an institution gave itself power only to enact law but not power to make a Constitution for the people of Nigeria," the communiqué said.

The participants therefore urged the National Assembly constituted before the commencement of the 1999 Constitution to initiate legislation that would set in motion a process enabling Nigerians to fashion a constitution that truly reflects the collective aspirations of the people.

As part of efforts to actualise the resolutions reached at the dialogue, the forum announced the immediate establishment of an ideological think tank comprising committed pro-democracy actors.

"In view of the above resolutions, stakeholders at the forum resolved to immediately set up an ideological think tank of committed pro-democracy actors to immediately rally stakeholders and the general populace towards the actualisation of the above resolutions and measures to rescue the future of the country from the suffocating grip of political opportunists and imminent collapse," the communiqué stated.

The participants, however, urged Nigerians not to give in to despair despite the prevailing challenges confronting the nation.

"The participants therefore urge the people of Nigeria to be united by the vision for a great nation and also be united in resolving the many problems confronting Nigeria, to have faith and belief in the nation's possibilities and the eminence of her citizens, being the most significant black nation in the world," they said.

The event ended with a renewed call for urgent consideration and implementation of the proposals advanced by the stakeholders as part of efforts to place Nigeria on a stronger structural foundation for democratic governance, economic progress and shared prosperity.