The National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, themed “Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Election in 2027,” convened in Abuja, drawing political leaders, civil society actors, and election experts to deliberate on Nigeria’s security and electoral challenges. The summit was organized by the National Consultative Front/Labour and Civil Society Front in collaboration with the Movement for Credible Election.

Adewole Adebayo, 2023 Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu, urging decisive action against terrorists. Adebayo insisted that the President must either fully deploy government resources to eliminate insurgents or resign honorably. He argued that ongoing violence and reported genocide in certain communities stem from governmental negligence, adding allegations of embezzled security funds. Sharing his personal involvement, Adebayo recounted, “I donated money to rebuild up to 50 churches. I have comforted over a thousand deaths,” while also meeting ethnic group leaders, including Fulanis, affected by violence. He emphasized that allowing citizens to die en masse represents a failure of governance, leaving only two options for the President: act decisively or step down.

Representing Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Muhammed Jamo Yusuf highlighted the need for comprehensive electoral reforms, citing persistent issues like voter apathy, logistical failures, judicial overreach, and the influence of money and political godfathers. Drawing on Kano State’s recent elections, he noted unprecedented youth participation, alongside challenges such as delayed results transmission and allegations of coalition irregularities. Yusuf urged summit participants to adopt open-minded, determined approaches to revitalize Nigeria’s electoral system.

Offering a broader perspective, Prof. Okay Ikechukwu, a university academic and political analyst, stressed the importance of prioritizing national interests and understanding global political dynamics. He cautioned against sensationalism and emphasized practical, action-oriented solutions to Nigeria’s complex problems, particularly insurgency and security threats. Ikechukwu also highlighted the pivotal role of media in shaping public perception and recommended strategic communication to foster informed discussions and effective national responses.