The Prof Pat Utomi-led Political Commission initiated by the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has announced plans to hold closed-door meetings with selected opposition presidential candidates and leaders of their political parties as part of efforts to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
MCE, in a statement signed by its Media Coordinator, Comrade James Ezema, on Wednesday, said the commission would meet the candidates and party leaders ahead of a tactical session scheduled to take place in Ibadan in a fortnight.
The movement said the parties shortlisted for the engagement include the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied People’s Movement (APM), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, People’s Redemption Party (PRP), African Action Congress (AAC) and Young Progressive Party (YPP).
According to MCE, the closed-door engagements are intended to shield the coalition negotiations from what it described as “political mercenaries and jobbers” who could frustrate efforts to achieve a common opposition platform.
The movement said the commission would announce the modalities for selecting a consensus presidential candidate, stressing that the process would be based on agreed rules, transparency, due process and a level playing field.
MCE said the success of the coalition would depend not only on the popularity of individual aspirants but also on the credibility and fairness of the process through which its presidential candidate is selected.
It said the terms of endorsement would have to be agreed upon by all participating parties and candidates rather than imposed, adding that every shortlisted party would be expected to commit to clear rules of engagement before the coalition endorses its candidate.
The movement said the commission would consider factors including national acceptability, competence, integrity, leadership profile, political electability, policy orientation, commitment to democratic institutions and the ability to unite Nigerians across diverse interests in assessing prospective candidates.
It added that the coalition would also be expected to develop a common national programme covering issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, poverty, institutional decay, electoral integrity, constitutional reform, education, healthcare, energy and the cost of governance.
MCE said the objective was to establish what it described as a “credible and sustainable democratic alternative” rather than merely bring politicians together for the purpose of winning an election.
“The Nigerian people deserve more than a coalition of political personalities. They deserve a coalition of ideas, competence, values and a coherent ideological programme for national salvation,” the statement said.
The commission said its membership, apart from Prof Utomi, includes Hadjia Maryam Inna Ciroma, Mrs. Modupe Adelaja, Comrade Solomon Dalung, Hon. Uche Onyeagocha, Dr. Olusegun Mayegun, Dr. Sam Amadi, Mr. Mike Iginni, Obongawan Barbara Etim James, Veteran Olawale Okunniyi and Dr. Adum Ter Alex, among others expected to be co-opted.
MCE stressed that its role was to facilitate the coalition process and not impose a presidential candidate on any party or aspirant.
It urged participating stakeholders to approach the negotiations with an open mind and willingness to make compromises, saying no individual or political party could independently present a formidable challenge to the party in power.
The movement, however, said all participating presidential candidates and their parties would be required to commit in advance to respecting the outcome of the selection process and supporting the coalition’s adopted presidential candidate in the 2027 election.