Political Summit unveils reform blueprint, names Prof. Nwaokobia, Utomi, others, as Steering Council members

Stanley Ihedigbo

Seeking to confront Nigeria’s deepening electoral and governance challenges, the National Political Summit has released an ambitious reform blueprint and unveiled a distinguished Steering Council—comprising Prof. Mustapha Nwaokobia, Prof. Pat Utomi, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, among others, to drive the newly established Movement for Credible Elections (MCE).

Over 600 political, civic, and professional leaders from across Nigeria and the diaspora convened in Abuja for the National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability of Nigeria.

According to the Media Coordinator, Steering Council, Movement For Credible Elections (MCE), Comrade James Ezema, the event, jointly organized by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) and the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF), focused on the theme: “Critical & Mandatory Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027.”

The high-level gathering featured goodwill messages and keynote interventions from a distinguished group of national stakeholders, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, NLC President Joe Ajaero, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, Prince Adewole Adebayo, Mrs. Patience Ndidi Key, Senators Shehu Sani and Ikechukwu Obiora, and several other national figures.

The Summit was convened to produce a broadly accepted framework for urgent constitutional and electoral reforms deemed essential before the 2027 general elections.

Stakeholders emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy faces unprecedented threats arising from escalating insecurity, disputed elections, and institutional weaknesses—concerns amplified by a recent warning issued by U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.

Speakers stressed the need for Nigeria to respond decisively with reforms that fortify sovereignty, enhance electoral transparency, and restore public confidence in democratic processes.

Delegates warned that government complacency in tackling banditry and terrorism has created openings for external interventions.

They noted that sovereignty in the modern world is conditional on a government’s capacity to secure its citizens.

Participants argued that credible elections require the reform of political parties themselves—describing parties as the “training grounds” for public officials and the root of many governance challenges.

Speakers condemned inducement, fraud, vote manipulation, and other malpractices that undermine electoral integrity and erode public trust.

After extensive deliberations, the Summit adopted a set of far-reaching proposals, which include: INEC should receive its complete annual allocation directly from the Federation Account, free from interference.

INEC’s budget should be fully transparent, with structured collaboration between the Commission and civil society organizations.

INEC should be constitutionally empowered to prosecute electoral offenses directly, rather than relying on the Police or the Attorney-General.

The Summit called for the legalization of early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting, and real-time electronic transmission of results to eliminate manipulations.

The selection of INEC’s national and state leadership should be conducted by a broad body of credible stakeholders, not the Executive.

Delegates demanded reforms to ensure elections are decided at the polling unit, not in courtrooms.

The National Assembly was urged to amend the constitution to create reserved seats that guarantee wider inclusion of women and marginalized groups.

The Summit also recommended transferring the burden of proof from candidates to INEC, arguing that the Commission is the custodian of election materials and processes.

Stakeholders reached a unanimous agreement on the need for comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s “flawed and fragile” electoral system before 2027.

The Summit further recommended the unbundling of INEC to improve efficiency and oversight, alongside diplomatic engagement with the United States based on mutual respect.

A major outcome of the Summit was the launch of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), a nationwide citizens’ platform committed to eliminating election rigging and manipulation in Nigeria.

A 23-member Interim Steering Council was inaugurated to lead the movement, chaired by Prof. Pat Utomi, with Comrade Ayuba Wabba as Co-Chair and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi as Head of Secretariat.

Others are: Hon. Dr. Usman Bugaje – Deputy Chairman (North); Amb. Nkoyo Toyo – Deputy Chairman (South); Barr. Femi Falana, SAN, Legal Counsel; Senator Shehu Sani, Member; Dr. Bilikisu Magoro, Member; Comrade Ene Obi, Member; High Chief Peter Ameh, Member; Comrade Alex Adum, Member and Lady Ankio Briggs, Member.

Also, Comrade Promise Adewusi, Director of Administration; Comrade Chris Uyot, Director of Mobilization; Mallam Hamisu San Turaki, Director of Mobilization; Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, Director of Finance; Prince Chris Azor, Director of Mobilization; Comrade Mark Adebayo, Director of Mobilization and Prof. Mustapha Nwaokobia, Jr., Director of Communications.

As well as Peter Randy Akah, Director of Publicity; Comrade James Ezema, Media Coordinator; Comrade Kamal Yusuf Ahmed, Youth Coordinator; Comrade Hauwa Mustapha, Deputy Head of Secretariat; and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, Head of Secretariat.