…Names Charles Odibo as Coordinator

The Big Tent Coalition has launched Obidient Connect, a digital civic engagement platform aimed at mobilising Nigerians within the country and in the diaspora ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the unveiling on Tuesday, the coalition’s founder, Professor Pat Utomi, said the initiative was created to channel citizens’ enthusiasm into organised democratic participation.

According to him, the platform comes at a critical period for Nigeria, citing concerns over insecurity, poverty, institutional weaknesses and controversies surrounding the 2023 elections.

Utomi said the platform would allow users to connect through polling units across Nigeria and through country-based diaspora groups, while also supporting voter education, mobilisation, training and lawful civic activities.

He added that the system would feature a real-time reporting mechanism enabling certified polling-unit results to be transmitted to a central dashboard, a move he said would strengthen transparency and public oversight during elections.

The coalition also announced a partnership with US-registered non-profit organisation, Naija We Can, to manage donations from supporters at home and abroad.

Utomi said funds raised through the partnership would be used strictly for lawful civic purposes such as voter education, advocacy, grassroots organising and vote protection, stressing that no donations would go to any political party.

“The historic bridge between the energy of citizens and the urgent task of rescuing Nigeria’s democracy from decay.

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

At the event, Charles Odibo was named coordinator of Obidient Connect. Utomi described him as an experienced communications strategist with the capacity to lead the initiative’s rollout.

The coalition said the platform would serve as a major tool for civic organising and electoral accountability as preparations begin for the 2027 polls.