A coalition of youths-focused civil society organisations under the banner of the Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija) has called for urgent and transformative changes to Nigeria’s electoral process.
The demand comes as the National Assembly Committees on Constitutional Review and Electoral Matters prepare to begin public hearings in July.
YERP-Naija, a non-partisan, youth-led campaign supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), comprises civil groups from all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The initiative is dedicated to promoting inclusive, transparent, and accountable electoral reforms that align with the hopes and aspirations of Nigeria’s young population.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the National Coordinator of YERP-Naija and North Central representative, Bukola Idowu, expressed deep concern over the continued delay in implementing crucial electoral reforms. According to him, the lack of progress poses a serious threat to the credibility and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Represented by Sannom Sarki, Programme Manager of the Gender/Policy Advocacy Department at Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), Idowu emphasized that the time for action is now.
He unveiled a list of major reform demands backed by the coalition. These include: Mandatory electronic transmission of election results to enhance real-time transparency and public confidence.
Transfer of the President’s power to appoint the INEC Chairman and national commissioners to an independent, non-partisan body.
Timely resolution of post-election petitions before the swearing-in of elected officials.
Amendment of the Electoral Act to close legal loopholes and strengthen democratic processes.
Creation of an independent Electoral Offences Commission to investigate and prosecute election-related crimes.
The YERP-Naija coordinators from the six geopolitical zones—Zigwai Ayuba (Northwest), Ashraf Tukur (Northeast), Abimbola Aladejare-Salako (Southwest), Nonso Orakwe (Southeast), and Israel Orekha (South-south)—jointly signed the statement, reinforcing a unified voice across the regions.
The coalition urged the National Assembly to take bold legislative steps by passing these reform recommendations, which it said would pave the way for free, fair, and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
YERP-Naija also called on Nigerian youths to participate actively in the upcoming public hearings, stressing that such civic engagement is vital to shaping a democratic future and ensuring citizen-led governance reform.
“This is a defining moment for our democracy,” the coalition stated. “Young people must seize this opportunity to influence the system that shapes their future.”