June 12: Forum seeks genuine reform to tackle electoral malpractices

As Nigeria commemorates the June 12 Democracy Day, the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC) and a coalition of civil rights activists have called for an urgent review of INEC’s biometric voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group which consists of notable social critics includes Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, National Coordinator, LPPMC, […]

As Nigeria commemorates the June 12 Democracy Day, the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC) and a coalition of civil rights activists have called for an urgent review of INEC’s biometric voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group which consists of notable social critics includes Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, National Coordinator, LPPMC, Hon. Casimir Biriyok, Dr. Sam Amadi; Chief Olusola Ebiseni, Secretary General, Afenifere, and Hon. Jonathan Asake, former Kaduna State 2023 LP gubernatorial candidate, among others, also called on the INEC to address the issue of election malpractices.
They said that INEC should ensure that blockchain-based voting systems are used to prevent tampering as well as encourage live streaming of all results collation.
The group, while attending Democracy Day/June 12 virtual dialogue organized by the LPPMC, in a communiqué bemoaned that Nigerian courts have legitimized electoral heists, and that democracy has eventually become tyrannical.
The group further recommended an immediate constitutional amendment to punish judicial officers who subvert electoral justice.
It further recommends that the INEC align with a 90-day limit for election petitions.
On power rotation to the six geopolitical zones, the group insisted that 25 years of democracy have not addressed northern marginalization in that regard; therefore, it requests constitutional recognition for power rotation between regions and religions.
The group further highlighted Nigeria’s negative shift from true democracy, advocating for the immediate review of unequal LGA allocations.
“We recommend 40% leadership slots for women/youth (per gender policy),” the joint communiqué said.
In his opening remark, the National coordinator LPPMC, Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, stated that June 12 is not merely a date on Nigeria’s national calendar, it is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, a reminder of the sacrifices made by heroes like MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and countless others who dared to dream of a Nigeria governed by the people’s will.
He said, “The LPPMC convenes this dialogue at a time when our democracy faces existential threats: Institutions weaponized against the people’s sovereignty. Elections that mock the very concept of popular mandate. Economic hardship was deliberately deployed to suppress dissent.
“Yet, like the proverbial palm tree, the Nigerian spirit cannot be broken. This dialogue serves three urgent purposes represented in *3Rs, Remember, Resist and Rebuild”.
Dr Okundaye explained that to remember is by honoring the blood and tears that birthed this democracy and to resist is to expose the current assault on democratic values.
He said, “To rebuild is by charting the path to reclaiming Nigeria through coalition-building across progressive forces. We must ensure grassroots mobilization that transcends ethnic divides and electoral vigilance to protect every vote in 2027.
“As we engage, I challenge us to: Speak with courage but also with strategic clarity, to move beyond lamentations to actionable solutions, and to reject divisive narratives and embrace our shared Nigerian identity.
“I want to assure you that the LPPMC stands ready to lead this democratic revival. Let today’s dialogue ignite the spark that will light the fire of change across Nigeria.
Dr. Okundaye revealed that pre-2027 general elections, LPPMC, would engage in the formation of 37 states coalition groups, to launch Democracy Literacy Campaigns in all 774 LGAs for grassroots mobilization.
This, he said would enforce the coalition for electoral integrity by July 1 to ensure the INEC heeds the ultimatum to clean the voter register by August 30, while
Mass voter education will commence on September 12.