CSO urges N’Assembly to accelerate electoral reforms ahead of 2027

 

A civil society organisation, the Youth-led Electoral Reform Project (YERP_Naija), has called on the National Assembly to fast-track electoral reforms when lawmakers resume plenary later this month.

The group, a consortium led by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), made the appeal in a New Year statement issued on Thursday and signed by Bukola Idowu, Executive Director of KDI and National Coordinator of the YERP_Naija campaign.

Idowu urged federal legislators to prioritise amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 alongside critical constitutional reviews aimed at strengthening electoral integrity, inclusion and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

He commended the House of Representatives for completing clause-by-clause consideration and voting on proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, describing the development as a significant milestone and a solid foundation for comprehensive reforms ahead of future elections.

However, he expressed concern over the Senate’s failure to commence voting on the electoral reform bills before proceeding on its end-of-year recess.

“As of December 26, 2025, progress on electoral reform has remained uneven across the two chambers,” Idowu said, warning that the delay could introduce uncertainty into the reform timeline and undermine sustained legislative focus.

According to him, several provisions already considered by the House reflect long-standing demands by young Nigerians for greater transparency, accountability and fairness in the electoral process, following extensive advocacy across the six geopolitical zones.

He called on senators, as they prepare to reconvene, to prioritise clause-by-clause consideration and voting on the bills to ensure that necessary reforms are implemented well ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Idowu also stressed the importance of timely consideration of constitutional amendment proposals with direct implications for electoral participation, representation and fairness.

He warned that delays in reviewing the Electoral Act could affect implementation, especially as statutory timelines for issuing notices of election draw closer.

“Experience has shown that amendments concluded too close to election periods risk being excluded from implementation due to constitutional and international obligations,” he said.

He added that decisions taken by lawmakers in the coming weeks would not only shape the conduct of the 2027 elections but also influence public trust in democratic institutions.

Idowu urged civil society organisations, the media, youth groups and community leaders to sustain public engagement and advocacy at the constituency level in support of timely electoral reforms.