Save Democracy Mega Alliance 2027 Begins Campaign to Strip Presidents Powers over INEC and Judiciary

A new political coalition, Save Democracy Mega Alliance 2027 (SDMA’27), has emerged in Nigeria with a bold agenda to challenge the extensive powers of the president and demand significant constitutional reforms. This coalition aims to amend the Nigerian constitution to strip the president of the authority to appoint the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the heads of the judiciary, a move they believe is crucial for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

Comrade Tony Akeni Le Moin, the national spokesman for SDMA’27, emphasized the urgency of their mission, stating, “The killing of democracy in Nigeria is a task that must be stopped.” The alliance has garnered support from several prominent Nigerians, including Professor Pat Utomi, who praised the coalition’s objectives as “the next best thing to happen to Nigeria after the return to civil rule in 1999.”

Professor Utomi highlighted the importance of insulating the INEC from executive influence, a recommendation that was also a key part of the Justice Uwais electoral reforms report. “The amendment of the Nigerian constitution to divest the powers of the president on the appointment of INEC chairman and commissioners by insulating the commission from the influences of the executive arm was one of the cardinal recommendations of the Justice Uwais electoral reforms report,” he said.

“The same amendment should apply to the Nigerian judiciary, which is vested with the function of post-election matters and adjudication. Transferring those powers to a clearly neutral apolitical body of statesmen is long overdue.”

SDMA’27’s mission is ambitious and comprehensive. The coalition aims to “coordinate nationwide consensus-building efforts integrating Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities, virile opposition political parties, labour and civil society networks, interfaith leaders of thought, pro-democracy movements, and progressive Nigeria diaspora concerns into one cohesive national demand action front.”

The alliance has laid out a detailed roadmap to achieve its goals. This includes galvanizing support from various groups to convene a National Confab, which will drive actions to compel the National and State Assemblies of Nigeria to amend the constitution. The coalition is determined to pursue these objectives with “unrelenting vigour and uncompromising determination” to achieve victory within the shortest practical time, regardless of the cost to the vision bearers of the cause.

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words resonate deeply with the SDMA’27 movement: “Those who love peace must learn to organize as effectively as those who love war.” The coalition’s documents echo this sentiment, stating, “Even if God might intervene to save Nigeria with some unforeseen colossal miracle en route 2027, He will use men to manifest it. Let us avail and position ourselves to be that breed of men tailor-made and ready for His use, providence, and purpose.”

The determination of SDMA’27 to bring about change is unwavering. The coalition draws inspiration from historical figures like Saidina Abu Bakar as-Siddiq, the First Caliph after the demise of Prophet Muhammad, who said, “O people, I have been elected as your leader although I am not the best among you. If I am in the right, then help me. And if I am in the wrong, then set me right. Truthfulness means fulfilling the trust; while disregard for truth is tantamount to treachery.”

The success of SDMA’27’s mission to reform Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure true democracy hinges on the collective action of Nigerians. The coalition believes that without these critical reforms, the 2027 elections will likely see a repeat of past electoral manipulations, undermining the democratic process.

The coalition’s strategy involves mobilizing national consensus across political, religious, and civil society networks to create a unified demand for constitutional reform. SDMA’27 aims to build momentum for a National Conference to formally propose these amendments and to lobby both the National and State Assemblies to strip executive influence over INEC and the judiciary.

Comrade Tony Akeni Le Moin emphasized the importance of this mission, warning that failure to unite and push for constitutional provisions that allow a level playing field will spell doom for the nation’s democracy. “Thus, the earlier we begin the counter-measures to organize legitimate resistance along the SDMA’27 roadmap, the better and brighter our hope of reversing Nigeria’s obliterating leadership calamity in 2027,” he added.

The coalition’s call to action is clear: every Nigerian must be involved to save the country from its current socio-economic turmoil, endemic poverty, insecurity, and foreign debt overhang. The alliance is prepared to face imprisonment and even the ultimate price of life to achieve their vision of a corruption-free or corruption-minimized Nigeria under a new order of conscientious, committed, compassionate, and capable nation-building leadership.

SDMA’27’s initiative has been welcomed by well-meaning Nigerians, including Professor Pat Utomi, who described it as “the next best thing to happen to Nigeria after the return to civil rule in 1999.” The coalition’s efforts are seen as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s democracy, with the potential to foster fair elections and improve governance by insulating key institutions from executive influence.

In conclusion, the Save Democracy Mega Alliance 2027 is a beacon of hope for many Nigerians who yearn for true democracy and good governance. The coalition’s success will depend on the collective action and unwavering determination of Nigerians to push for the necessary constitutional reforms. As the movement gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether SDMA’27 will succeed in its mission to reform Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure true democracy. The future of Nigeria’s democracy may very well hinge on the outcome of this bold and ambitious initiative.