A major pro-democracy coalition has called on the National Assembly to introduce a strict rule that will immediately unseat any politician who dumps the party that brought them into office.
The body, operating under the banner of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), said the growing trend of politicians switching parties at will has damaged public confidence and weakened the country’s political system.
It insists that only a firm legal penalty—automatic loss of seat and a fresh election—can restore discipline before the 2027 general polls.
The position was contained in a petition submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and dated December 10, 2025. The coalition said the reform must become a priority in the ongoing legislative review of Nigeria’s electoral laws.
MCE is made up of respected civic figures and political actors, including political economist Pat Utomi, former NLC President Ayuba Wabba, human-rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), and ex-Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili.
According to the petition, “The coalition calls on the House of Representatives to prioritise a set of critical reforms, which include strengthening the Electoral Act to close loopholes and enhance accountability, mandating electronic transmission and real-time publication of polling-unit results on IREV.
“Tightening enforcement and penalties for electoral offences; strengthening INEC’s independence through autonomous funding and enhanced training for improved professional capacity.
“Ensuring all election disputes are concluded before swearing-in, ending pre-election judicial interference that disrupts the electoral process, making defections of elected officials to a different party other than the one for which they were elected a basis for loss of seat and fresh elections.”
The group noted that defections have now become a daily feature across several states, with lawmakers and governors switching parties ahead of 2027.
It warned that the continuous movement especially into the ruling APC creates a perception of political instability and undermines the will of voters.
The coalition also raised alarm over what it described as declining public trust in the electoral process. It blamed this on insecurity around polling units, widespread vote-buying, the obstruction of voters, failures in logistics, and irregular deployment of election technology.
It stressed that unless lawmakers act quickly, the integrity of the 2027 elections could be seriously threatened.
Another major demand is an “independent audit of INEC’s technological systems, including BVAS, IReV, data storage and backup infrastructure, before the next general election.”
The group is also asking for wider inclusion of youths, women and persons with disabilities, full internal democracy within political parties, diaspora voting, and mandatory resolution of all election disputes before any elected official is sworn in.
Describing the coming poll as critical, the petition said, “The 2027 elections present a defining moment for our democracy. We must act now to rebuild public trust, strengthen institutions and protect the legitimacy of our electoral outcomes.”
The coalition added that it is ready to support the National Assembly through public hearings and technical engagements. However, it warned that it would mobilise citizens for mass action if lawmakers ignore what it described as the “popular demands of Nigerians.”
The petition was endorsed by members of the Interim Steering Council, including Utomi (chairman), Wabba (co-chairman), Bugaje and Toyo (deputy chairmen), Falana, Ezekwesili, Senator Shehu Sanni, Bilikisu Magoro, Ene Obi, HC Peter Ameh, Alex Ardum, Promise Adewusi, and Chris Uyot.
Others include Hamisu San Turaki, Chris Iyovwaye, Chris Azor, Mark Adebayo, Peter Randy Akah, James Ezema, Kamal Yusuf Ahmed, Bala Zakka, Shettima Yerima, Salisu Mohammed, Hauwa Mustapha and Olawale Okunniyi, who serves as head of the secretariat.
