Big Tent Coalition unveils digital platform to strengthen voter engagement and electoral transparency.
By Atinuke Ademola | Lagos, Nigeria
The Big Tent Coalition has unveiled a new digital civic platform, “Obidient Connect,” aimed at mobilising Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. The initiative is designed to convert citizen enthusiasm into structured political participation across the country and in the diaspora.
Founder of the coalition, Pat Utomi, announced the launch on Tuesday, describing the platform as a response to Nigeria’s current political and socio-economic challenges.
Utomi said the platform would connect users at polling unit levels nationwide, while also integrating diaspora-based networks to expand participation beyond Nigeria’s borders.
According to him, Obidient Connect will support voter education, grassroots mobilisation, civic training and lawful engagement in democratic processes.
A key feature of the platform is a real-time reporting system that allows certified polling unit results to be transmitted to a central dashboard, aimed at enhancing transparency and public oversight during elections.
The coalition also disclosed a partnership with a United States-based non-profit, Naija We Can, to facilitate donations from supporters both within Nigeria and abroad.
Utomi emphasised that all funds generated would be used strictly for civic purposes, including voter education, advocacy, and vote protection, with no financial support directed to any political party.
At the unveiling, Charles Odibo was named coordinator of the platform. Utomi described him as a communications strategist with the capacity to lead its national rollout.
Platform Targets Grassroots and Diaspora Engagement
The coalition said Obidient Connect is structured to operate at ward and polling unit levels, creating a decentralised network for civic participation.
It also aims to harness the influence of Nigerians in the diaspora by organising them into country-based groups to support advocacy and democratic engagement.
Focus on Transparency and Electoral Accountability
The introduction of a real-time results reporting mechanism is positioned as a tool to improve electoral transparency and reduce disputes.
Organisers say the platform will help citizens play a more active role in monitoring elections and holding institutions accountable.
The launch of Obidient Connect signals early political and civic mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. Digital platforms are increasingly shaping voter engagement and election monitoring in Nigeria, and their effectiveness could influence transparency, participation levels, and public trust in the electoral process.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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