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By Tracy Moses
As Nigeria commemorated Democracy Day on June 12, the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), alongside a coalition of civil rights advocates, has called for an immediate overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) biometric voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, comprising prominent activists and political voices, including Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, National Coordinator of the LPPMC; Hon. Casimir Biriyok; Dr. Sam Amadi; Chief Olusola Ebiseni, Secretary-General of Afenifere; and Hon. Jonathan Asake, the Labour Party’s 2023 Kaduna State gubernatorial candidate, urged INEC to address recurring electoral irregularities.
They also demanded the adoption of blockchain-based voting systems and the live streaming of election result collation to ensure transparency and prevent tampering.
At a virtual Democracy Day/June 12 dialogue hosted by the LPPMC, the group issued a communiqué accusing Nigerian courts of legitimizing what they termed “electoral heists.” They warned that democracy in Nigeria has devolved into a form of tyranny.
Among the recommendations made was a call for urgent constitutional amendments to hold judicial officers accountable for undermining electoral justice. They also proposed that INEC be constitutionally mandated to conclude all election petition matters within 90 days.
On the contentious issue of power rotation, the group maintained that despite 25 years of democratic governance, the northern region remains politically marginalized. They called for a constitutional framework to guarantee power rotation among the six geopolitical zones and between religious affiliations.
The coalition further demanded a review of the current formula for local government area allocations, citing glaring imbalances. Additionally, they advocated for the implementation of a 40% affirmative action policy in leadership positions for women and youth in line with the national gender policy.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Okundaye emphasized that June 12 represents far more than just a date on Nigeria’s calendar, it symbolizes the heart of the country’s democratic journey and the enduring sacrifices of heroes like MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and countless others who envisioned a Nigeria governed by the will of its people.
“The LPPMC is convening this dialogue at a time when our democratic institutions are being weaponized against citizens’ sovereignty. Elections no longer reflect the popular mandate, and economic hardship is being used as a tool to suppress dissent,” Okundaye declared.
He described the purpose of the dialogue as encapsulated in three Rs: Remember, Resist, and Rebuild.
“To remember,” he said, “is to honor the blood and tears that nurtured our democracy. To resist is to confront the ongoing erosion of democratic values. And to rebuild is to chart a strategic path forward through broad-based coalitions of progressive forces.”
Dr. Okundaye called for massive grassroots mobilization that transcends ethnic and religious lines, with a strong focus on electoral vigilance ahead of the 2027 polls.
“As we engage today, let us speak with courage and strategic clarity. Let us shift from mere complaints to concrete solutions. Let us reject divisive narratives and affirm our shared identity as Nigerians. The LPPMC is prepared to lead this charge for democratic renewal,” he affirmed.
Looking ahead, Dr. Okundaye announced that the LPPMC would, before the 2027 elections, establish coalition groups across all 37 states and initiate Democracy Literacy Campaigns in all 774 local government areas. These campaigns, he said, would serve as vehicles for grassroots sensitization and electoral engagement.
He revealed that a coalition for electoral integrity would be launched by July 1 to pressure INEC into cleaning up the voter register by August 30. Mass voter education, he added, would commence on September 12.