Obasanjo, Jonathan, Atiku, Osinbajo, Falana, Sowore Invited to MCE Summit on 2027 Elections

A high-level political summit on the 2027 elections gets underway in Abuja today, with former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, and a long list of civil society heavyweights all invited.

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) is hosting the gathering at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall of NICON Luxury Hotel, starting 11 am. Theme: “Actualizing Credible 2027 Elections in Nigeria.”

According to the MCE’s Media Coordinator, James Eczema, the aim is to agree on a unified action plan and policy direction for credible, transparent elections in 2027. The summit is also meant to set the stage for a meeting with INEC next week.

The invitation list is extensive. Former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega is expected, alongside labour leaders Joe Ajaero, Ayuba Wabba and Festus Osifo. Senior lawyers Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), and Femi Falana (SAN) are also on the list.

Civil society and governance figures include Oby Ezekwesili, Pat Utomi, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Senator Shehu Sani, Frank Nweke Jnr, Ene Obi, Nkoyo Toyo, Mike Igini, and Olawale Okunniyi.

Several presidential hopefuls have also been invited: former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Labour Party’s 2023 candidate Peter Obi, AAC candidate Omoyele Sowore, and former Kaduna Governor Bala Mohammed.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle round out the list.

Oby Ezekwesili, who chairs the convening committee, said the initiative was prompted by growing concerns around electoral reforms, judicial interference in election disputes, insecurity, and how internal party democracy is shaping up ahead of 2027. She said the goal is to build consensus on reforms and minimum standards that would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

Sources: Sahara Reporters, Independent Nigeria