Utomi and Ezekwesili raise alarm over threats to opposition parties
Pat Utomi and Oby Ezekwesili have warned that Nigeria's democracy is under threat due to actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the All Progressives Congress. At a press conference, they accused these bodies of working together to sideline opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Movement for Credible Elections, which includes several political and civil society leaders, described recent developments as steps toward authoritarianism. The group called for urgent electoral reforms and nationwide mobilisation to resist what they see as growing despotism.
What we know
- Pat Utomi accused the INEC and APC of collaborating to exclude opposition parties, warning of a move toward one-man rule.
- The Movement for Credible Elections alleged an alliance among INEC, APC, and elements of the judiciary to keep opposition off the ballot.
- The group criticised INEC's withdrawal of recognition from the African Democratic Congress leadership, calling it a malicious attempt to weaken opposition.
- They claimed similar interference had previously undermined the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party.
- The coalition demanded the resignation of the INEC chairman and called for comprehensive electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections.
