By Olokuta Rofiat
A coalition of prominent Nigerians, including Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Attahiru Jega, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), and Barr. Femi Falana (SAN), has teamed up with the National Consultative Front (NCFront), and the Labour and Civil Society Front (LCSF), to demand sweeping electoral reforms before the 2027 general elections.
According to NCFront spokesperson, Mallam Hamisu San Turaki, the coalition will convene a National Dialogue on Electoral Reforms in Lagos on October 1, 2025, following a series of nationwide consultations.
The reform agenda seeks to guarantee credible polls and restore public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
It calls for the mandatory electronic transmission of results, stiffer sanctions against vote buying, the introduction of early and diaspora voting, the adoption of proportional representation in governance, and the creation of reserved seats for women and vulnerable groups.
The initiative has already won the backing of leading democracy advocates such as Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Comrade Joe Ajaero, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Barr. Clement Nwankwo, Prophet Isa El-Buba, Engr. Buba Galadima, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Dr. Bilikisu Magoro, and Samson Itodo, among others.
As part of the October 1 dialogue, the coalition will also formally inaugurate the Alliance for Defence of Democracy (ADD), a citizen-driven platform that will coordinate advocacy, mobilization, and civic engagement for reforms across the country.
With less than two years to the polls, the coalition warned that urgent reforms are necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and rebuild public confidence in the electoral system.
