Political economist Pat Utomi and former minister Oby Ezekwesili have raised concerns over what they describe as growing threats to democratic competition in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Victoria Island, Lagos, Utomi accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of actions aimed at weakening opposition parties.
The event, organised by the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), brought together political and civil society figures who alleged that an emerging alliance involving electoral authorities, elements of the judiciary, and political actors could sideline opposition candidates in future elections.
Utomi warned that such developments could erode democratic values, describing them as a progression toward authoritarianism.
Central to the group’s concerns is INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which they argue has disrupted the party’s internal processes at a critical time.
The coalition also claimed that similar patterns of interference have affected other opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party.
In a strongly worded statement, the group criticised INEC’s independence and accused it of actions that could disenfranchise political actors and limit electoral competition.
The MCE announced plans to launch nationwide mobilisation efforts, including rallies and town hall meetings across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, as part of efforts to resist what it described as growing political repression.
The group also called for the resignation of the INEC chairman and demanded comprehensive electoral reforms to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
Other notable figures involved in the coalition include Usman Bugaje, Ayuba Wabba, and Femi Falana.
The development marks one of the strongest criticisms yet from opposition-aligned voices, highlighting rising political tensions as Nigeria approaches the next general election cycle.
