Renowned lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, has issued a stark warning to Nigeria’s political class, declaring that any coalition formed ahead of the 2027 general elections will be meaningless without comprehensive electoral reforms.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, Farotimi emphasized that structural flaws in Nigeria’s electoral system continue to undermine democracy, rendering political alliances ineffective unless the foundational issues are addressed.
“We cannot keep repeating the same cycle and expect different results. Without genuine electoral reforms—rooted in transparency, accountability, and the protection of voters’ rights—any coalition, no matter how broad, is doomed to fail,” he stated.
Farotimi, a vocal critic of political impunity and systemic injustice, called on civil society, the judiciary, and the international community to demand urgent reforms to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the full implementation of electronic transmission of results, biometric verification, and legal safeguards against vote-buying and intimidation.
He also cautioned opposition parties against prioritizing power-sharing arrangements over the integrity of the democratic process.
“It is not enough to unite against the ruling party. The real question is: what kind of system are we uniting to preserve or transform? Without fixing the rules of the game, the players don’t matter,” Farotimi added.
His remarks come amid growing speculation about potential mega-coalitions forming to challenge the incumbent administration in 2027. However, Farotimi’s intervention injects a sobering perspective into the conversation, urging political actors to focus on systemic change rather than short-term electoral gains.