The Convener of the Big Tent Coalition, Prof. Pat Utomi, has directed coordinators of the group across the country to immediately set up five-member Polling Booth Councils (PBCs) in every polling unit ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Utomi said the initiative was aimed at identifying pressing local concerns and devising strategies to curb electoral malpractice in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday by Mr. Charles Odigbo, Director of Media and Communications of the coalition.
According to Utomi, the councils will also design citizen-driven initiatives to improve the quality of life at the grassroots. He explained that this would be achieved through collaboration with non-governmental organisations, as well as partnerships with like-minded political parties and social movements.
He suggested that the PBCs build networks with structures of the Labour Party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), among others, to drive reforms and good governance.
Utomi directed all coordinators to submit Local Needs Assessment Reports to the Big Tent Shadow Cabinet Secretariat before Sept. 21.
“PBCs should communicate the action plans from the Shadow Cabinet Retreat, which are aimed at restoring people-centred policy choices to our democracy. They are also expected to commence voter education and citizen mobilisation programmes tailored to local needs,” he said.
He stressed that the revitalisation of democracy in Nigeria requires deeper grassroots involvement, adding that PBCs must prioritise voter registration of young people whose future depends largely on election outcomes.
Utomi also urged the councils to recruit credible individuals in communities to run for elective offices.
The Big Tent convener further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to safeguard its reputation and avoid actions that could erode public confidence in the electoral process.
(NAN)