Professor of Political Economy and Convener of the Big Tent and Movement for Credible Election, Prof. Pat Utomi, has called on Nigerians to prepare for a massive voter turnout in the upcoming January 2027 presidential election.
​Speaking at a world media briefing held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State, Utomi emphasized that active citizen participation remains the ultimate safeguard against electoral manipulation.
​Addressing journalists, civil society leaders, and political stakeholders, Utomi declared that the 2027 general elections represent a crucial turning point for the nation’s democratic future. He stressed that a high voter turnout would weaken attempts to tamper with election results and ensure that the collective voice of the electorate prevails.
​”Active participation is the strongest defense of our democracy,” Utomi stated. “When citizens turn out in overwhelming numbers, it creates a formidable wall against electoral malpractices and forces the system to reflect the true choice of the people.”
​Joined by key spokespersons and executives of the Big Tent coalition, including National Coordinator Dr. Charles Nwodo and Media & Strategy Director Hajia Amina Bello, the group outlined a nationwide civic education and voter registration drive aimed at engaging young Nigerians, professional groups, and grassroots communities.
​Key Initiatives Outlined at the Briefing include Voter Education Campaign; A countrywide sensitization drive to guide citizens on voter registration and continuous voter card (PVC) collection ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadlines.
Electoral Integrity Monitoring; Deployment of trained citizen observers across polling units to track voting procedures and report real-time infractions and Youth & Grassroots Engagement that Targets digital and community outreach strategies designed to reduce voter apathy among young Nigerians and rural communities.
​In his closing remarks, Utomi urged election administrators and security agencies to guarantee a transparent, free, and peaceful process, maintaining that credible elections are essential for national stability and economic recovery.
