The economist Pat Utomi has warned that Nigeria’s democracy may be under threat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Victoria Island, Lagos, Utomi alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are taking steps that could sideline opposition parties.
The event was organised by the Movement for Credible Elections, a coalition of political actors and civil society figures, who expressed concern over what they described as growing threats to democratic competition.
Utomi said, “Everybody will be surprised that this is a progression towards one-man rule. Not even the APC rule.” He further warned that current developments could concentrate power in a way that undermines Nigeria’s democratic structure.
The coalition also criticised INEC’s recent actions concerning opposition parties, particularly its decision affecting the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which they described as harmful to the opposition’s participation in the electoral process.
Other prominent figures, including Oby Ezekwesili and Femi Falana, supported the call for urgent reforms to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.
In a strongly worded statement, the group said INEC’s actions could “disenfranchise and exclude legitimate presidential contestants and political parties” ahead of the 2027 polls.
They called for comprehensive electoral reforms and urged the commission to maintain its independence, warning that failure to do so could weaken public trust in the electoral system.
The coalition also announced plans for nationwide mobilisation, including rallies and town hall meetings, aimed at promoting credible elections and resisting what it described as electoral interference.
