By Atoyebi Nike
A group of prominent Nigerians will on October 1 launch a new electoral reform platform known as the Alliance for Defence of Democracy (ADD) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The movement is spearheaded by economist Pat Utomi, former INEC chairman Attahiru Jega, ex-Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, and Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero. Others include lawyers Olisa Agbakoba and Femi Falana, political economist Kingsley Moghalu, former presidential aide Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and politician Buba Galadima.
According to a statement by Hamisu San Turaki, spokesperson of the National Consultative Front, the ADD will be unveiled during a National Dialogue on Electoral Reforms in Abuja. The initiative seeks to push for compulsory electronic transmission of results, criminalisation of vote buying, early and diaspora voting, and proportional representation for women and vulnerable groups.
The organisers said the alliance will serve as a citizens’ movement to strengthen electoral credibility and promote reforms ahead of the 2027 polls.
