Top Nigerian Leaders, Civil Society Groups to Convene for National Electoral Reforms Dialogue
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, a high-level National Electoral Reforms Dialogue is set to take place on October 1st, drawing participation from some of the country’s most prominent political figures, labour leaders, and civil society actors. The event, organised by the National Consultative Front (NCFront), the Labour and Civil Society Front (LCSF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Electoral Reforms Coalition (NERCO) and Partners for Electoral Reforms, will be held virtually as part of the activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee, Mallam Hamisu San Turaki, the dialogue will serve as a platform to discuss constitutional and institutional reforms needed to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2027. Among the key figures expected to attend are former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega. They are scheduled to participate as discussants during the national webinar. Other notable invitees include Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osofo, former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and political economist Prof. Pat Utomi. Also expected to contribute to the debate are former governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), along with former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, and the chairpersons of the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Reforms have also been invited, as well as the INEC Commissioner in charge of Information. Organisers say the event will focus on advancing constitutional amendments and reforms aimed at improving the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral system. With less than two years to the next general elections, calls for comprehensive electoral reform have intensified among stakeholders across the country. The dialogue is expected to generate actionable recommendations to help shape the legal and institutional framework for future elections, as Nigeria looks to strengthen its democracy ahead of 2027.