Civil Society Organisations and election observers have urged the National Assembly to ensure the immediate implementation of early voting in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The groups, Yiaga Africa and the International Press Centre, said the reform would prevent disenfranchisement of journalists, security agencies, National Youth Service Corps members and Nigerians in the diaspora.
They spoke during a Consultative Roundtable with key media stakeholders on electoral reforms in Abuja.
Yiaga Africa’s Director, Cynthia Mbamalu, described early voting as a landmark provision that would strengthen credibility, transparency and inclusivity in elections.
“We have never had early voting in Nigeria,” she said. “It is important for those who work on election day. This reform should be concluded quickly so implementation is not delayed.”
She added that citizens were also demanding a new Independent National Electoral Commission chairman, stressing that whoever leads the institution would play a crucial role in rebuilding public trust.
Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, noted that thousands of journalists accredited during elections are unable to vote because of their assignments.
“Technology has made it possible for people to vote anywhere,” he said. “Even security personnel and NYSC ad hoc staff are disenfranchised. Early voting would solve this problem.”
Keynote speaker, Dr Tony Oyema, stressed the importance of diaspora voting, saying Nigerians abroad remit billions of dollars but are denied participation in elections.
Stakeholders insisted that the media must sustain pressure on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act, arguing that reforms of this nature are “low-hanging fruits” compared to controversial provisions.
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