Group Advocates ‘NADECO 2.0’ Ahead of 2027 Elections, Calls for Structural Reforms
A member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Mr Emeka Ugwu-Oju, has called for the formation of a renewed democratic movement, “NADECO 2.0”, aimed at addressing what he described as deepening governance and structural challenges in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a public message released on Monday and amplified by the Good Governance Group, Ugwu-Oju urged Nigerian stakeholders across political, religious and civil society lines to unite in safeguarding democracy and promoting institutional reforms.
The message, titled “2027 National Elections: An Urgent and Important Message to Nigerian Patriots”, was addressed to a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including organised labour groups, professional bodies, ethnic organisations and young Nigerians.
Ugwu-Oju reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, drawing parallels between the struggles of the NADECO movement during the military era and the current state of governance in the country.
He expressed concern over what he described as a weakening of democratic institutions, alleging that the principle of separation of powers among the executive, legislature and judiciary is being eroded.
According to him, Nigeria risks sliding into what he termed a “civilian dictatorship” if urgent corrective actions are not taken by citizens and key stakeholders.
He proposed the concept of “NADECO 2.0” as a continuation of the original coalition’s mission, particularly in advancing true federalism and strengthening democratic institutions.
Ugwu-Oju explained that the renewed movement would focus on mobilising Nigerians to elect credible, non-partisan individuals into the National Assembly and State Assemblies for a single term between 2027 and 2031.
He added that such a legislative composition would enable the country to undertake constitutional reforms, including the development of a people-driven constitution to be ratified through a referendum.
He said, “With what is happening now in Nigeria, democracy as we know it will soon be dead if the current trajectory towards civilian dictatorship is not urgently reversed by citizens’ action.
“Is this the democracy that our heroes fought for? A system where institutions that should be independent are now seen as extensions of the executive arm. That is not the vision of NADECO.
“NADECO 2.0 is about finishing the unfinished mission of the founding fathers by returning Nigeria to true federalism and building strong and independent institutions.
“The key objective is clear. We must mobilise Nigerians to send the best of our non-partisan men and women into the National Assembly and State Assemblies with a single mandate to fix the structure of governance.
“For once, Nigerians must insist that the legislature becomes a no-go area for the current political class between 2027 and 2031. It should be a period of national reset.
“Any politician who wants to serve should go for executive positions. The legislative arm at that period must be reserved for credible, independent Nigerians who can think beyond party interests,” he said.
The statement further identified key governance issues requiring urgent attention, including the independence of the electoral commission, the structure of Nigeria’s political system, tenure limits for executive offices and reforms to the country’s policing architecture.
Ugwu-Oju proposed that the movement be anchored by a coalition of civil society organisations, professional bodies and socio-cultural groups, working collaboratively to drive the reform agenda.
He noted that a political platform, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), could serve as a vehicle for the initiative, with a focus on legislative contests rather than executive positions.
“We cannot continue to recycle the same system and expect different results. Nigerians must take deliberate steps to change the governance architecture. True federalism is not just a political concept. It is the foundation for sustainable development, equity and national stability. NADECO 2.0 will serve as a platform to organise, mobilise and educate Nigerians on the need for structural reforms that will guarantee fairness and progress.”
“This movement must be anchored by credible institutions, civil society groups, professional bodies and socio-cultural organisations working together for the common good. If we fail to act now, we risk losing the very essence of democracy. The responsibility lies with all Nigerians who believe in a better future.”
“The 2027 elections present a rare opportunity to reset the system. We must not waste it. Let us begin the journey of remaking Nigeria into the nation of our dreams. A country that works for all and stands tall among the nations of the world,” the statement said.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
