YERP_Naija Charges Lawmakers on Timely Passage of Electoral Reform Bills

YERP_Naija Charges Lawmakers on Timely Passage of Electoral Reform Bills

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Youth-led Electoral Reform Project (YERP_Naija) Consortium has urged members of the National Assembly to prioritise the timely passage of electoral reform bills, warning that delays could jeopardise preparations for the 2027 general elections.

In a new year message issued on Thursday and signed by the Executive Director of the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) and National Coordinator of the YERP_Naija Campaign, Bukola Idowu, the group felicitated Nigerians on the New Year and called for renewed legislative commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic framework.

“As Nigerians welcome the New Year, the Youth-led Electoral Reform Project (YERP_Naija) extends warm greetings to citizens across the country, especially young people whose aspirations continue to shape the future of Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement read.

YERP_Naija 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 toward improving electoral transparency and accountability.

However, the group expressed concern that the Senate did not begin voting on the electoral reform amendment bills before proceeding on its end-of-year recess, noting that the delay has created uncertainty around the reform timeline. The Senate is expected to resume plenary in mid-January 2026.

According to the YERP_Naija, the provisions already considered by the House reflect long-standing demands by young Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones for reforms that strengthen fairness and public trust in elections.

“As the Senate prepares to reconvene, YERP_Naija respectfully urges senators to prioritise clause-by-clause consideration and voting on the electoral reform bills,” the statement said, stressing that early action would ensure reforms are implemented well ahead of the 2027 polls.

The group also drew attention to ongoing constitutional amendment processes with direct implications for electoral integrity and inclusion, warning that delays could hinder implementation due to statutory timelines for issuing notices of election.

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

YERP_Naija said the responsibility before the National Assembly in 2026 is critical, noting that decisions taken in the coming weeks will shape not only the conduct of the 2027 elections but also public confidence in democratic institutions.

“The decisions taken in the coming weeks will shape not only the conduct of the 2027 elections but also public confidence in democratic institutions for years to come,” it stated.

The group called on lawmakers to demonstrate leadership and patriotism by prioritising electoral reforms that reflect the aspirations of young Nigerians and the broader electorate, describing the reforms as non-partisan and essential to democratic stability.

It also urged civil society organisations, the media, youth groups, and community leaders to sustain constructive engagement to ensure the reforms are concluded in the national interest.

Reaffirming its commitment, YERP_Naija said, “These reforms deserve timely passage, not postponement. The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on it.”