The National Consultative Front and the Labour and Civil Society Front have announced plans to launch a nationwide campaign for electoral reforms in Nigeria. The initiative, which aims to mobilize Nigerians both at home and abroad, seeks to address critical issues in the country’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 elections.

The decision to embark on this campaign was reached at a recent leadership consultative meeting hosted by the National Consultative Front in Lagos. The meeting built on resolutions from the National Constitutional Summit, which emphasized the urgent need for electoral reforms. Key areas of focus include the compulsory electronic transmission of election results, the criminalization of vote-buying, and the introduction of early and diaspora voting.

The campaign will be driven by a new electoral reform platform, the Alliance for Defence of Democracy, which is set to be launched on October 1st. This platform will provide a structured approach to mobilizing support for critical electoral reforms. Notable Nigerians, including Prof Pat Utomi, Prof Attahiru Jega, and Dr Oby Ezekwesili, are among those who will champion this initiative.

The launch of the Alliance for Defence of Democracy will coincide with a major national dialogue on electoral reforms, which will feature addresses by prominent leaders, including the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero. The event is expected to galvanize support for meaningful reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The National Consultative Front and the Labour and Civil Society Front believe that these reforms are essential to restoring credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process, which was marred by controversies in the 2023 elections. By mobilizing Nigerians and advocating for critical reforms, the groups hope to ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair, and reflective of the will of the people.

The campaign for electoral reforms in Nigeria is gaining momentum, with various stakeholders calling for urgent action to address the country’s electoral challenges. As the country approaches the 2027 elections, the success of this campaign will be crucial in determining the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process.