Youth organisations across Nigeria have urged the National Assembly to pass three key electoral reforms as lawmakers prepare to vote on constitutional amendments to improve the nation’s electoral process.
The youth groups, under the Youth Political Participation (YPP) Electoral Reform Consortium, made the call on Monday at a joint press conference in Owerri, the Imo capital.
Addressing newsmen, Mr Akim Peters of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, said the proposed reforms would strengthen transparency, reduce tension around elections, and improve the credibility of outcomes.
Specifically, they called for transparent, merit-based process for appointing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) leadership.
The youth called for the amendment of Sections 153 and 154 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to remove presidential discretion in appointing INEC Chairman, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners.
“Establish a special non-partisan selection committee drawn from reputable national institutions.
“The current appointment processes raise concerns about political influence,” they stated.
The youth groups stated that a non-partisan mechanism would strengthen public trust in INEC, enhance neutrality, and reduce perceptions of bias.
“This reform improves the integrity of elections and reinforces INEC’s independence,” they added.
They further advocated for timely election dispute resolution through an amendment of Section 285 to shorten timelines for pre-election and post-election cases, as well as introduce eligibility thresholds for filing petitions.
“Prolonged litigation creates unfair advantages, pressures the judiciary, and allows candidates with pending cases to assume office.
“Timely adjudication ensures fairness, reduces political tension, and aligns electoral justice with democratic expectations,” the group emphasised.
They equally called for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission “to investigate and prosecute electoral offences.”
“Violence, vote-buying, intimidation, and impunity undermine elections.
“A dedicated commission will professionalise investigations, ensure accountability, and deter manipulative practices that compromise the will of voters,” they added.
Also speaking, the Programme Director, Better Community Life Initiative (BECOLIN), Mr Chibundu Uchegbu, said the reforms, being advocated, would strengthen transparency, reduce tension around elections, and improve the credibility of outcomes across all levels of government.
According to him, the decisions taken in the coming days will influence the credibility of elections, the independence of institutions, and public confidence in electoral outcomes.
Uchegbu said: “They also offer clear benefits to lawmakers, as a more trusted electoral system reduces post-election disputes, protects legitimate mandates, and lowers the political and financial cost of prolonged litigation.
“Legislators, who support these reforms position themselves as champions of democratic accountability, a legacy that strengthens their standing with constituents and reinforces public confidence in their leadership over time.
“We also urge Nigerians, civil society organisations, journalists, and community influencers to continue amplifying these demands as the votes approach.
“BECOLIN, as the South East partner of the YPP Electoral Reform Consortium, calls on members of the National Assembly to demonstrate commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development by voting in favour of these youth-driven priorities.”
Freedomonline reports that YPP electoral reform consortium is being coordinated by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) and supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
The consortium also includes JESZ Development Foundation (North West), Fringe Voices (South South) and Child Protection and Peer Learning Initiative (North East) among other youth organisations across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The press conference was part of activities mapped out to mark the National Day of Action on Youth-Led Electoral Reforms, which aims to expand youth engagement in elections, strengthen democratic accountability, and promote electoral reforms.
