A pro-democracy advocacy group, Mekunnu Koya, has called for nationwide civic mobilisation, warning Nigerians against what it described as attempts by the political elite to impose their will on the electorate through flawed electoral laws and manipulation.
In a statement signed by its convener, Comrade Wale Balogun, the group cautioned that Nigerians must not allow President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, or other political actors to undermine the integrity of elections, stressing that genuine electoral reform must precede, not follow, voting exercises.
According to the group, Nigerians must organise and sustain peaceful civic pressure to ensure that votes truly count and that electoral mandates are respected.
“Our votes must count, and our mandates must stand. Electoral reforms must be secured before elections, not lamented after,” the statement said.
Mekunnu Koya argued that hopes raised by the return to civil rule after military dictatorship have gradually faded, alleging that democratic gains have been eroded over the years through manipulation and repression.
The group accused successive administrations under the All Progressives Congress (APC) of weakening popular sovereignty and entrenching social and economic injustice, particularly against poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
It also condemned alleged forced evictions and land seizures in several Lagos communities, including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Otumara, Okobaba and Owode-Onirin, claiming that such actions have displaced residents and stripped many of their livelihoods.
The statement further criticised what it described as the role of political apologists and data manipulators, accusing them of justifying government excesses in exchange for access, contracts and patronage.
Drawing parallels with the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by MKO Abiola, the group warned that similar patterns of elite conspiracy and self-perpetuation were re-emerging in Nigeria’s political system.
Mekunnu Koya insisted that opposition to electronic transmission of election results signals an intention to undermine credible polls, describing the technology as a democratic safeguard rather than a luxury.
The group also questioned claims that the current administration enjoys widespread popularity, alleging that political defections were driven by inducements rather than genuine public support.
While acknowledging growing insecurity and economic hardship across the country, Mekunnu Koya criticised what it called government indifference to killings in parts of the country and the impact of rising inflation, unemployment and poverty on ordinary Nigerians.
It concluded that safeguarding the integrity of the ballot remains central to Nigeria’s democratic future, insisting that transparent elections are essential to restoring public trust and national stability.