Fresh tension over 2027 elections as Pat Utomi raises red flag

A political economist and civil society leader, Pat Utomi, has warned that recent changes to Nigeria’s 2026 Electoral Act could threaten the country’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a media conference in Lagos, Utomi, who leads the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), said there are signs that those in power may be trying to influence the electoral process.

He explained that the group decided to speak out because it believes the situation is becoming dangerous for Nigeria’s democratic system.

Utomi also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of not acting independently, claiming it appears to be working in line with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency.

He warned that if these issues are not addressed, Nigeria could face serious problems, including a loss of trust in government and the weakening of democracy.

The group also expressed concern about low voter turnout. According to Utomi, recent elections in Abuja saw less than 10% of registered voters participate. He said that when people lose faith in voting, it could lead to unrest or violence.

To address these concerns, the coalition said it plans to:

Challenge any wrongdoing through public campaigns and the courts

Create independent platforms to track and display election results

Deploy trained “vote marshals,” including retired security personnel, to polling units

Educate voters and encourage them to participate in elections

Utomi also called on respected national figures, including Emeka Anyaoku, Olu Falae, and Femi Okurounmu, to step in and help protect Nigeria’s democracy.

He stressed that the country must not forget the sacrifices made to achieve democracy and warned that current developments could reverse those gains if not handled properly.