Prominent Nigerians Launch Movement for Credible Elections Ahead of 2027 Polls

Oru Leonard 

A new citizens’ movement, Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has been launched in Nigeria to push for electoral reforms and end election rigging ahead of the 2027 general elections. The movement is led by a 23-member steering council, including prominent figures such as Prof. Pat Utomi, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, and Barr. Ambassador Oby Ezekwezili, Femi Falana, SAN, others

A communique raised after an inaugural meeting stated the objectives of MCE which include:

– Electoral Reforms: Push for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s electoral laws to ensure credible elections in 2027.
– INEC Autonomy: Grant financial autonomy to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and empower it to prosecute electoral offenders.
– Voter Rights: Advocate for early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting, and real-time electronic transmission of results.
– Women and Vulnerable Groups: Create constitutionally guaranteed special seats for women and other vulnerable groups in government.

Recommendations made ate as follows:

– Financial Autonomy for INEC: Receive allocation directly from the Federation Account without interference.
– Open Budget Framework: Operate an open budget system and work closely with civil society.
– Prosecution Powers: Empower INEC to prosecute electoral offenders independently.
– Ending Judicial Determination of Elections: Pursue reforms to eliminate court-determined electoral outcomes. ¹