The Network of Concerned Citizens (NCC), a political pressure group based in the North has called for a renewed commitment to national unity and democratic engagement in Nigeria as the country approaches another election year in 2027.
NCC gave this fresh charge in a statement it made available to journalists on Tuesday through its convener, a former General Secretary of Nigeria Union Of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG) and former National Chairman of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Comrade Adamu Song, the Wakili Asbiti Adamawa.
The statement emphasised the need for a united Nigeria and the active participation of citizens in the democratic process.
It also noted that it was the responsibility of the authorities to provide platforms that enable citizens to serve better. NCC maintained that there was a need for Nigerians to shun attitudes that could make Nigeria seem like it was not one country, adding that such negative mindset should be perished among citizens.
“There is no doubt absolutely that Nigeria is one, and there is enough evidence to prove that. From our culture to our traditions, the similarities apparenty outweigh the differences, even language, which some consider a dividing factor, is only a means of communication. We must reject division and celebrate our unity as Nigerians.”
The remarks of the statement signed by Adamu Song literally set the tone which focused on engaging Nigerians in conversations about democracy, governance, and national development at a time like this. It further stressed the need for citizens to take ownership of the democratic process, citing declining voter turnout as a worrying trend that should be reversed and nipped in the bud.
Asbiti said: “We all knew that in the last 2023 general election, despite 93 million registered voters and collected PVCs, only eight million votes were enough to install the president. This unimpressive outcome serves as a reminder that many Nigerians are not exercising their legally supported civic responsibilities. This utter disconnect, coupled with other electoral malpractices, erode the principles and tenets of constitutional democracy,” he noted.
NCC’s statement also underscored the urgent need for a paradigm shift on how Nigerians should approach governance and leadership, calling for a different way of thinking, behaving, and holding leaders accountable, emphasizing that citizens need to place attention on finding solutions rather than just complaining or showing aparthy during election.
“Writing from the patriotic point of view, this is not about political parties,” NCC clarified. “It is inclusivity and the importance of engaging Nigerians without focusing on political affiliations. It is essentially about capturing the voice of all Nigerians.
“We must voice our concerns about developmental challenges, especially leadership,” he said. “This is not the time to exchange votes for foodstuffs. The North particularly must rise above such politics and advocate for good leadership that prioritizes the people’s welfare. Political awareness must grow in our region, and we must all join our thoughts and efforts to build the nation.
“While we exist as a formidable and independent pressure group who wants the best for Nigeria in all fronts, we also reaffirm our willingness to work with any political party or political candidate who are composed of fresh and robust ideas with unblemished records and proven accomplishments; as well as public office seekers whose beliefs and ideals are masses-driven and people-oriented. We also use this opportunity to call on those in power to strengthen fundamental constitutional principles and values, while also alerting Nigerians to remain intellectually and legally forceful against any anti-democratic forces poised to undermine the constitutional foundations of the country’s unity, progress and its cherished democracy.
“For the benefit of those who have not been monitoring our progress and activities in the last few years, NCC is open to all Nigerians, but predominantly northern based, and we are made up of former State Assembly Speakers, former lawmakers at both Federal and State Assemblies, former Local Government Chairmen, leaders of civil society groups, academia, diplomats, trade union leaders, community leaders, opinion leaders, and youth organizations with the deepest concern to see Nigeria prospering politically, and socio-economically even as the country prepares for another election circle in 2027.
“We are equally not averse to the calls for electoral reform which we ultimately consider as part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic framework and ensure that the electoral process is free and fair. Our interest also aims to address the deficiencies exposed during the 2023 general elections and to restore public confidence in the electoral process. We are indeed interested to see the success of the Electoral Reform Act to ensure that the lapses of 2023 are not repeated in 2027.
“NCC is also pressing for reforms to make electronic transmission of results compulsory, criminalize vote buying, enable early and diaspora voting, including reserved seats for women within the political landscape. Besides, we also advocate for stronger voter education, tougher action against vote buying and violence, financial and operational autonomy for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stricter oversight of political parties, and broader inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities and other vulnerable segments of the society.”
