•Falana, Utomi and Ezekwesili
A national coalition of civic groups and citizens, The Movement for Credible Elections, MCE, has formally called on the leadership of the National Assembly to prioritise far reaching and non-negotiable reforms in the ongoing harmonisation of electoral reform bills ahead of the 2027 elections.
MCE made the call yesterday, Monday, February 10, 2026 during a press conference held in Lagos.
In a statement jointly signed by the conveners and leaders of the Steering Council of the MCE and made available to The Frontier, the coalition endorsed the ongoing nationwide civic actions and protests against the National Assembly over stalled and weakened electoral reforms.
The 32 leaders of the coalition who signed the statement are: Dr Usman Bugaje, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Amb Nkoyo Toyo, Hajia (Dr) Bilikisu Magoro, Comrade Promise Adewusi, Comrade Ene Obi, HC Peter Ameh, Engr Alex Ardum, Barr Malachy Ugwumadu and Deacon Chris Iyovwaye.
Others are: Comrade Chris Uyot, Mallam Hamisu San Turaki, Prince Chris Azor, Comrade Mark Adebayo, Peter Randy Akah, Comrade James Ezema, Comrade Kamal Yusuf Ahmed, Comrade Bala Zakka, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, Comrade Salisu Mohammed, Ms Bunmi Ajani Lawson, Dr Tanko Yinusa, Prof Akin Fapohunda, Comrade Hauwa Mustapha, and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, who is the Head of National Secretariat.
Counsels and Advisors to the coalition who also appended their signature are: Barr Femi Falana, SAN, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Senator Shehu Sanni, Prince Adewole Adebayo, Comrade Joe Ajaero – President Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Festus Osifo – President Trade Union Congress, and Prof. Pat Utomi.
REFORMS DEMANDED
In the statement, the MCE listed out specific reforms demanded from the National Assembly.
The reforms are: Strengthening the Electoral Act 2022, mandatory electronic transmission of results, strict sanctions for electoral offences, strengthening INEC’s institutional independence, independent audit of electoral technology, and inclusive electoral participation.
Other reforms demanded by the coalition are: Enforcement of internal party democracy, resolution of election petitions before swearing-in, completion of result verification before declaration, ending pre-election judicial interference, addressing political defections, and democratic appointment of INEC leadership.
