2027 Elections: NEDMO Urges Nigerians to Ensure Emergence of Credible and Competent Leaders

By our Correspondent

A coalition of Nigerian groups, New Direction for Nigeria Movement (NEDMO), has urged citizens to remain committed to the emergence of credible and competent leaders in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The Convener of NEDMO, Comrade Mark Adebayo, made the appeal during a World News Conference on the State of the Nation held in Abuja.

Expressing deep concern over the nation’s leadership recruitment process, Adebayo advocated for the independent appointment of the next INEC Chairman through the National Judicial Council (NJC) to ensure fairness and credibility.

He also paid tribute to the late Arise TV reporter, Miss Sommie Maduagwu, who was recently killed during an armed robbery attack in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

> “Before I proceed further, may I request that we all stand to observe a one-minute silence in honor of the Arise News rising star, Miss Sommie Maduagwu, who was tragically cut down by criminal elements here in Abuja,” he said.

Adebayo lamented that Sommie’s death reflected the harsh realities faced by many Nigerians due to bad governance, insecurity, and corruption.

> “Sommie’s tragic end is the story of so many Nigerians today who are victims of a nation at war with itself. Despite propaganda, the realities of bad governance, hunger, insecurity, and corruption have pushed Nigeria to the brink of state failure,” he stated.

He described the ruling class as having failed the people, emphasizing that Nigeria’s political system continues to recycle leaders driven by “primitive accumulation” rather than genuine service.

According to him, NEDMO is a coalition designed to correct Nigeria’s flawed and corrupt leadership recruitment system, which has long been undermined by compromised electoral processes.

> “Electoral fraud has been perfected through vote buying, violence, and manipulation of election technology. These bad practices keep producing corrupt and incompetent leaders. Our movement, now with structures in over 600 local government areas, is determined to mobilize over 30 million Nigerians into a powerful voting bloc to reclaim our democracy,” he said.

Adebayo stressed that NEDMO aims to usher Nigeria into a new era where elections reflect the people’s true choices, adding that the movement will promote values of integrity, competence, and patriotism.

> “Nigerians deserve working hospitals, quality education, good roads, uninterrupted power, and a peaceful nation — and NEDMO will make it happen,” he declared.

He further called on citizens to support candidates who are incorruptible, capable, visionary, and self-disciplined, regardless of political affiliations.

Adebayo also challenged corrupt leaders, asking,

> “Looters of our commonwealth, aren’t you tired? Oppressors of Nigerians, when will you be tired of your evil? You cannot take anything to your graves. How much more will you steal before you stop robbing Nigeria?”

He emphasized that rigging can only thrive where citizens fail to participate actively, urging Nigerians to vote en masse and defend their votes to prevent manipulation.

Adebayo rejected any attempt to impose a politically compromised figure as the next INEC chairman, warning that NEDMO would strongly resist such a move.

> “We are tired of an INEC that undermines democracy and denies Nigerians their right to association. It is no longer acceptable for a sitting president contesting in an election to appoint the umpire of that same election,” he said.

He called for the full implementation of the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Recommendations to restore public trust in the electoral system.

Citing Mahatma Gandhi, Adebayo reminded Nigerians that,

> “You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.”

He therefore urged Nigerians to join NEDMO at all levels — from wards to constituencies — through its website www.nedmo.org, noting that the movement is nonpartisan, non-profit, gender-inclusive, and open to all eligible voters.

> “From 2027, affliction shall not rise again — but that will only happen if we unite, vote wisely, and rescue Nigeria from the hands of those dragging it backward,” he concluded.