Some of Nigeria’s most prominent voices in governance, labour, and civil society are set to unveil a new electoral reform platform, the Alliance for Defence of Democracy (ADD), on October 1.
The initiative, described as “a popular alternative movement” to drive campaigns and mobilization for electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections, brings together eminent Nigerians including economist Prof. Pat Utomi, former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, and former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili.
Other key figures behind the movement include Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero; Senior Advocates of Nigeria Dr. Olisa Agbakoba and Mr. Femi Falana; former presidential aide Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed; African School of Governance President Prof. Kingsley Moghalu; and NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima.
The announcement was contained in a statement by Hamisu San Turaki, spokesperson of the National Consultative Front (NCFront).
According to the statement, ADD will serve as a structured platform to promote electoral reforms through a major national gathering on October 1, which will also be addressed by labour and civil society leaders.
The reforms being pushed include:
Compulsory electronic transmission of election results
Stronger laws to criminalize vote-buying
Early and diaspora voting rights
Proportional representation in governance
Reserved seats for women and vulnerable groups
The October 1 dialogue will also feature contributions from Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Barr. Clem Nwankwo, Prophet Isah El Buba, Chief Imam Ahmad, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Dr. Bilikisu Magoro, Mr. Samson Itodo, among others.
The movement is expected to consolidate ongoing efforts by reform advocates, some of whom recently participated in the National Constitutional Summit convened by eminent Nigerians under The Patriots and the Nigeria Political Summit Group.
