The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) and the June 12 Democracy Movement of Nigeria have called for urgent electoral reforms and the adoption of a new people-driven constitution, warning that Nigeria is facing mounting challenges that threaten its democratic and economic future.
The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of a June 12 Democracy Anniversary Dialogue held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, on Friday.
The event drew political leaders, pro-democracy activists, labour leaders, civil society advocates, youth and women leaders, as well as stakeholders in the June 12 struggle. Participants had earlier paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other heroes of democracy at the MKO Abiola Democracy Centre before proceeding to the dialogue.
Among those who contributed to discussions were Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Prince Adewole Adebayo, Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine, Mike Igini, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Umar Gombe, Prof. Anthony Kila, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, Comrade Olusegun Mayegun, Comrade Wale Okunniyi, Emeka Ugwu-Oju and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung.
According to the communiqué, participants expressed concern over declining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, worsening insecurity, widespread poverty and what they described as a growing loss of faith in the nation by many citizens.
They called on the National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Act before the 2027 general elections to ensure a credible electoral process that truly reflects the wishes of the Nigerian people.
The stakeholders also urged government at all levels to be more accountable in the management of public resources, stressing that the country’s wealth should be deployed towards improving the welfare, security and well-being of citizens.
On security, the forum noted that terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes continue to pose serious threats across the country and called for decisive action involving both government and local communities to tackle the challenges.
The participants further warned about the growing threat of food insecurity and low agricultural productivity, urging authorities to adopt practical measures to boost food production and address hunger.
Beyond the immediate concerns, the forum identified constitutional reform as a fundamental issue requiring urgent attention.
The stakeholders argued that the 1999 Constitution was imposed by the military and does not adequately reflect the collective will of Nigerians. They therefore called for a legislative process that would enable citizens to produce and adopt a truly democratic constitution.
“The National Assembly should immediately initiate legislation to set in motion the process of enabling the peoples of Nigeria to give to themselves a democratic Constitution,” the communiqué stated.
As part of efforts to advance the resolutions, the forum announced plans to establish an ideological think tank comprising pro-democracy actors to mobilise citizens and stakeholders towards achieving electoral, constitutional and governance reforms.
The group said the initiative is aimed at rescuing the country’s future from what it described as the “suffocating grip of political opportunists” and preventing an imminent national decline.
The participants urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to building a stronger nation, expressing confidence in the country’s potential for democratic and economic progress if the recommended reforms are urgently implemented.
The communiqué was signed by Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Solomon Dalung, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Umar Gombe, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Olusegun Mayegun, Tanko Yunusa and Wale Okunniyi on behalf of MCE and the June 12 Democracy Movement of Nigeria.
