Leaders of the organised civil society and labour movement are set to hold a media rally at the National Assembly on Tuesday, February 17, to demand comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made in a statement by the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), with Media Coordinator Comrade James Ezema confirming the planned action. According to MCE’s National Secretariat Head, Comrade Olawale Okunniyi, the rally represents a continuation of peaceful civic engagement to ensure Nigeria’s electoral laws reflect the will of the people.
Okunniyi emphasized that credible elections are crucial for strengthening democracy, promoting political accountability, and restoring public confidence in governance. The coalition said the action is designed to intensify public pressure on lawmakers to adopt reforms outlined in a petition submitted to the National Assembly last month.
Meanwhile, the MCE urged the media to amplify citizens’ voices and promote transparency in the push for electoral reforms.
Expected to address the media gathering are veteran activists and public figures including Barr. Femi Falana, SAN; Dr. Usman Bugaje; Professor Pat Utomi; Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Dr. Oby Ezekwesili; Comrade Ayuba Wabba; Comrade Joe Ajaero; Senator Shehu Sanni; Hadjia Bilikisu Magoro; Comrade Ene Obi; Alhaji Shettima Yerima; Prof. Chidi Odinkalu; Comrade Promise Adewusi; Engr. Bala Zakka; Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo; Dr. Sam Amadi; and Peter Randy Akah, among others.
The coalition reiterated its commitment to peaceful civic activism and urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at securing credible and transparent elections in 2027.
This comes days after protests erupted at the National Assembly under #OccupyNASS2026 as demonstrators demanded real-time electronic transmission of election results, following changes to the clause in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.
Key figures, including Peter Obi, Aisha Yesufu and Rotimi Amaechi, joined the demonstrations, urging transparency and reforms to ensure verifiable votes ahead of 2027.
Subsequently, following an emergency plenary session, the Senate had an rescinded its previous resolution and amended the Electoral Act to accommodate mandatory electronic transmission of results.
However, the amendment allows Form EC8A to serve as the primary method of collating results if electronic transmission fails or is impossible—a provision that has also drawn criticism.