2027: Youths Seek Impactful Constitutional, Electoral Reforms

Friday June 20, 2025|

Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija), a coalition of youth-focused civil society organisations, has demanded impactful reforms, as National Assembly committees on constitutional Review and Electoral Matters begin public hearings in July.

Speaking to reporters yesterday in Abuja, Northcentral/National Coordinator, Bukola Idowu, noted that delays in the electoral reform have become a source of concern.

Idowu, director of Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), read from a statement co-signed by Zigwai Ayuba, Northwest coordinator; Ashraf Tukur, Northeast coordinator; Abimbola Aladejare-Salako, Southwest coordinator; Nonso Orakwe, Southeast coordinator; and Israel Orekha, Southsouth coordinator.

YERP-Naija is a non-partisan youth-led electoral reform campaign comprising civil groups in the six geopolitical zones. With backing from National Democratic Institute (NDI), the campaign advocates inclusive, transparent, and accountable electoral reforms that reflect aspirations of Nigeria’s young population.

Idowu, represented by KDI’s Programme Manager Gender/Policy Advocacy Department, Sannom Sarki, noted the campaign’s top recommendations – mandatory electronic transmission of results for real-time transparency and credibility; transfer of President’s powers to appoint INEC chair and national commissioners to a non-partisan committee.

Others are conclusion of post-election petitions before inauguration; amendment of Electoral Act; and establishment of Electoral Offences panel to probe and prosecute election crimes independently;

YERP-Naija campaign called on legislatures to pass the recommendations to give Nigerians the elections they deserve.

It urged youths to participate in the public hearings.

These engagements, it said, is opportunity to shape democracy and ensure citizen-led governance reform.