By Abubakar Yunusa
A youth-led coalition, the Youth-led Electoral Reform Advocacy Consortium (YERP_Naija), has called on the National Assembly to prioritise key electoral reforms and swiftly amend the Electoral Act 2022 and the Constitution.
The consortium, comprising several youth-focused non-governmental organisations, aims to amplify the voices of young Nigerians in the nation’s electoral reform discourse.
YERP_Naija includes regional partners such as Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) in the North-Central and National, JESZ Development Foundation in the North-West, The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD) in the South-West, Whillz Trust Foundation (WTF) in the South-South, Catch Them Young Initiative (CATYCOI) in the South-East, and Child Protection and Peer Learning Initiative (CPPLI) in the North-East.
The coalition’s statement, signed by Bukola Idowu, Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, called on lawmakers to fulfil their commitment to electoral reform.
“The future of Nigeria’s democracy hinges on a fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral system,” the statement read.
“The youth of Nigeria are watching closely and will continue to demand these reforms until they are fully realised.”
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, KDI’s Head of Research and Strategy, Oluwafemi John Adebayo, urged the National Assembly to prioritise five key electoral reform recommendations, which include:Interpretation and amendment of Continuous Voter Registration provisions.
The establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission,Reform of the INEC leadership selection process,Post-election petition resolution, and Timely transmission of election results.
Adebayo highlighted that the integrity challenges observed in the recent Edo gubernatorial election underscore the urgent need for comprehensive electoral reforms.
“While discussions have been ongoing, it is time for decisive action. Nigerian youths have worked diligently to propose amendments that address the core challenges in our electoral process,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of transparency in the reform process.
“We call on the Constitution and Electoral Reform Committees to maintain open communication with the public, ensuring that the process is accountable to all Nigerians,” Adebayo said.
As the 2027 general elections approach, YERP_Naija emphasised the importance of timely implementation of reforms, urging the National Assembly to stick to agreed timelines to build trust in the process.
The consortium, along with KDI and other campaign partners, continues to push forward through extensive media campaigns and grassroots advocacy efforts, engaging with lawmakers, youth groups, traditional leaders, and religious leaders to secure support for these reforms.
Adebayo also called on the media to play a crucial role in holding leaders accountable.
“We urge journalists and media outlets to amplify the voices of Nigeria’s youth, who are at the forefront of this reform movement. Your coverage will help ensure that lawmakers remain transparent and committed to much-needed reforms,” he said.
YERP_Naija’s campaign for electoral reforms is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the future of Nigeria’s democracy.