2027: Coalition Unveils Citizen-led Tech Platform For Transparent Elections

The Big Tent Coalition has unveiled the “Obidient Connect”, a civic-tech platform designed to organise and mobilise Nigerians both at home and abroad ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the unveiling in Lagos, the founder of the Big Tent Coalition, Prof. Pat Utomi, described the platform as “the historic bridge between the energy of citizens and the urgent task of rescuing Nigeria from decay.”

He said the launch marks a defining national moment, coming amid Nigeria’s setbacks, worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, institutional failures, and the painful lessons of the 2023 elections.

“Expression alone is not power. Organisation,” Utomi declared. “Obedient” Connect answers the critical question of how to organise millions into structured civic power at every ward, every polling unit, and across every diaspora community.

“m built to connect, organise, and vote, “Obidient” Connect is a citiizen-led platform that enables Nigerians to connect by polling unit (within Nigeria) and by country cells (in the diaspora); organise, forge, and mobilise education, mobilisation, and lawful civic engagement; and protect votes through structured polling-unit reporting and verification.”

Utom explained that the platform is purpose-built to ensure that “the will “of the Nigerian people is never again stolen in the dark.

He an “ounced that “Obidient “Connect” will enable Nigerians across the country’s polling units to “transmit” certified polling-unit results to a central dashboard in real time, reinforcing transparency and citizen oversight.

This functionality makes citizen-driven monitoring and verification more critical than ever to safeguarding electoral integrity.”

Utomi also announced that “Obidient Connect” has established a strategic partnership with Naija We Can, a reputable non-profit organisation in the United States, to serve as its trusted partner for local and diaspora donations.

He emphasised that the partnership between Nigerians at home and in the diaspora can support civic and voter education, grassroots organising, and advocacy securely, transparently, and in full compliance with Nigerian law.

He noted that “Naija We Can” brings reliability, governance, and accountability to this process. It ensures that every contribution, no matter how small, is properly managed and deployed to strengthen citizen participation across Nigeria.”

He stressed that “Obidient “Connect” operate” strictly within Nigerian law, particularly regarding diaspora donations, saying, “Diaspora” contributions will be used for lawful activities such as media and advocacy, grassroots organising,organizingprotection. No funds will be directed to any political party.”

At the unveiling, Utomi announced Mr Charles Odibo as Coordinator of Obidient Connect, citing his experience, discipline, and strategic clarity.