Utomi-led rights group flags dangers in upcoming 2027 polls

2026-03-16 - 05:57

*Unveils initiative to ensure credible elections By Juliet Umeh Movement for Credible Elections, MCE, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy was under threat, citing manipulations of the 2026 Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at a briefing in Lagos yesterday, MCE leader, Pat Utomi, said: “It is with a solemn sense of duty that we address you as darkness threatens to envelop us through manipulations of the 2026 Electoral Act, which reveal a reckless desperation by those in power, whose every move suggests fear of the electorate at the ballot box. This last week they simply went too far. “Recent trends by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Presidency could undermine the legitimacy of the state. “Given the feverish level at which the constitution is being violated, if voices of reason are not heard now and this current mischief is allowed to continue, we may witness the collapse of our cherished democracy.’’ Highlighting voter apathy, he noted: “Inclination to vote, as the recent Abuja elections show, is now below 10 per cent of those registered to vote. Once the people decide their vote is pointless, the stage is set for ‘voting’ with their feet and ways of violence and self-help.” Utomi outlined the civil society group’s plans to safeguard credible elections, saying “we plan to get several civil society groups to set up independent IREVs, to which party agents will upload photographed Form EC8A immediately after they are signed. ‘’These will be transmitted to dashboards in newsrooms of global and local television stations. We plan to recruit vote marshals who shall be former military and police personnel, trained and deployed to every polling station in the country. ‘’We will also commence massive voter education and mobilisation to shake citizens out of apathy and train them on how to protect their vote.” Utomi, who further urged the media, academia and civil society to hold authorities accountable, said: “We will contest every abuse in the court of public opinion and, where necessary, in the courts of law. “We call on elders of the land, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to speak with one voice to preserve the peace and integrity of Nigeria’s democracy. “The people must stand up now to save the future for their children. Nigeria cannot be pushed into politics of power erosion that will suffocate the legitimacy of the state.”