Youth Group Urges National Assembly to Fast-Track Key Electoral Reform Bills Ahead of 2027

MAP Development Initiative (MAPDI), a non-governmental organisation, has called on the National Assembly to accelerate work on crucial electoral-reform bills currently before lawmakers.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Mayowa Adeniran, made the appeal in a statement issued in Osogbo to mark the National Day of Action in Youth-Led Electoral Reforms.

Adeniran said youth groups under the Youth Political Participation (YPP) Electoral Reform Consortium have consistently prioritised three major reforms now awaiting legislative action.

He explained that one of the key proposals is the amendment of Sections 153 and 154 of the Constitution to create a transparent, merit-driven system for appointing the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to him, a non-partisan selection committee drawn from credible national institutions should oversee the appointment of the INEC Chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners.

Adeniran noted that the current appointment structure raises concerns about political interference. A neutral process, he said, would “strengthen public trust in INEC, enhance neutrality, and reduce perceptions of bias,” adding that the reform “will improve the integrity of elections and reinforce INEC’s independence.”

He also highlighted the need to amend Section 285 of the Constitution to shorten the timeline for resolving pre-election and post-election cases. Prolonged court disputes, he said, strain the judiciary, create unfair advantages, and allow candidates with unresolved cases to take office.

“Timely adjudication ensures fairness, reduces political tension, and aligns electoral justice with democratic expectations,” he added.

Adeniran further urged lawmakers to pass the enabling act and constitutional amendments required to establish an independent body empowered to investigate and prosecute electoral offences. He warned that vote-buying, violence, intimidation, and impunity continue to weaken Nigeria’s elections.

“A dedicated commission will professionalise investigations, ensure accountability, and deter manipulative practices that compromise the will of voters,” he stated.

He said the proposed reforms align with the demands of young Nigerians who regularly confront the effects of political interference, delayed justice, and weak institutional protections. Implementing them, Adeniran added, would boost transparency, reduce election-related tensions, and strengthen the credibility of electoral outcomes nationwide.

MAPDI, the Southwest partner of the YPP Electoral Reform Consortium, urged lawmakers to demonstrate commitment to democratic growth by supporting the youth-driven priorities.

“These decisions affect the stability of communities, the confidence of citizens, and the continuity of democratic governance,” he said.

Adeniran also encouraged Nigerians, civil-society organisations, journalists, and community leaders to continue promoting the reforms as the 2027 elections draw closer.

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