Big Tent to create polling booth councils nationwide -Utomi

The Convener of the Big Tent Coalition, a pressure group, Prof. Pat Utomi has directed its Coordinators nationwide to immediately create a five -man Polling Booth Councils (PBCs) in all polling units in their states.

Utomi said the creation is with a view to identifying premium local concerns and determining how to checkmate rigging at all elections in Nigeria and the 2027 general elections.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Charles Odigbo, Director of Media and Communications of the Big Tent Coalition.

Utomi said the PBCs should also device bespoke citizen initiatives to lift the quality of life of people at the grassroots.

This, he said, should be through collaborations with Non Governmental Organisations and also networking with like minded political parties and social movements to solve local problems.

The Big Tent convener suggested that the network loops should look to link up with structures of the Labour Party, ADC and SDP among others to build people centred initiatives for reform and good governance.

Utomi requested that all coordinators should send in their 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 centered policy choices to our democracy.

“The PBCs are expected to commence voter education and citizen mobilisation programmes tailored to local needs.”

According to him, the key to democracy revitalisation in Nigeria is greater involvement of the grassroots.

He said the PBCs should drive voter registration of young people whose future depended very much on election outcomes.

He also instructed that the PBCs actively recruit people of integrity in communities to run for public office.

The Big Tent convener, however, urged INEC to show due care for its reputation which might cause people to lose interest in election processes.