By George Ozalla
The National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability of Nigeria has called for sweeping constitutional and electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, with key national figures urging stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of the ballot and rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The summit, convened on Tuesday at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja by the National Consultative Front in collaboration with the Labour and Civil Society Front, drew more than 600 delegates from government, civil society, academia, political parties, the private sector, and the diaspora.
Prominent Nigerians who delivered goodwill messages and keynote submissions included former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Summit LOC Chairman Prof. Pat Utomi, keynote speaker Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, lead speaker Prince Adewole Adebayo, former NIDO chairperson Patience Ndidi Key, Senator Shehu Sani, Senator Ikechukwu Obiora, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, IPAC Chairman Alhaji Mamman Yusuf Dantalle, Dr. Bilikisu Magoro, High Chief Peter Ameh, and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, among others.
Speakers agreed on the urgency of key constitutional amendments to guarantee credible elections in 2027 and to address concerns raised in recent international commentary, including warnings issued by United States President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Delegates observed that government’s failure to decisively secure lives and property has enabled banditry and terrorism to grow, opening the door to foreign scrutiny and undermining sovereignty. Stakeholders also stressed the need for broad political party reforms, arguing that Nigeria cannot fix its electoral challenges without first strengthening internal party structures and discipline.
Participants called for stronger, collective action against election rigging, inducement, fraud, and manipulation, describing these practices as the root of Nigeria’s political instability. Central recommendations adopted at the summit include granting the Independent National Electoral Commission full financial autonomy with direct access to the Federation Account, instituting an open budget system, and empowering the commission to independently prosecute electoral offenders. Delegates also pushed for early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting, and compulsory electronic transmission of results to eliminate manipulation and result circumvention.
Stakeholders further insisted that the recruitment of INEC national and state leadership be removed from the control of the Executive and entrusted to a broad, non-partisan panel. They advocated reforms to end the overdependence on courts to determine electoral outcomes, and called for constitutionally guaranteed special seats for women and other vulnerable groups. The summit also urged amendments to transfer the burden of proof in election petitions away from candidates and political parties and appropriately place it on INEC.
At the close of deliberations, the summit formally launched the Movement for Credible Elections, a nationwide citizens’ platform expected to spearhead mass mobilization for transparent elections and resistance to rigging before 2027. An Interim Steering Council was announced with Prof. Pat Utomi as Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Wabba as Co-Chair, Dr. Usman Bugaje as Deputy Chairman (North), Amb. Nkoyo Toyo as Deputy Chairman (South), and Barr. Femi Falana, SAN, as Legal Counsel. Other members include Senator Shehu Sani, Dr. Bilikisu Magoro, Comrade Ene Obi, High Chief Peter Ameh, Comrade Alex Adum, Lady Ankio Briggs, Comrade Promise Adewusi, Comrade Chris Uyot, Mallam Hamisu San Turaki, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, Prince Chris Azor, Comrade Mark Adebayo, Prof. Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr., Peter Randy Akah, Comrade James Ezema, Comrade Kamal Yusuf Ahmed, Comrade Hauwa Mustapha, and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi as Head of Secretariat.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade James Ezema, Media Coordinator of the Steering Council of the Movement for Credible Elections, who reaffirmed that the new platform would work to end electoral manipulation in Nigeria once and for all.
