The Youth Electoral Reform Project–Nigeria (YERP-Naija), South-South Zone, calls on the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to urgently prioritize the passage of key electoral reform bills critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, expanding political inclusion, and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
Nigeria’s democratic system continues to face persistent challenges including political exclusion, high barriers to participation, electoral malpractice, and weak accountability mechanisms. These challenges have continued to marginalize young people and women, despite their demographic strength and active role in national development.
YERP-Naija reiterates its call for the urgent passage of the following key bills:
• Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349 & SB 440) to correct systemic under-representation of women in governance;
• Electoral Offences Commission Bill (HB 1219) to effectively investigate and prosecute electoral offences, deter impunity, and strengthen electoral integrity;
• Independent Candidacy Bill (HB 1630 & SB 812) to expand political participation beyond restrictive party structures and reduce godfatherism;
These reforms are not new proposals; they have been subjected to extensive consultations and legislative consideration. Continued delays only deepen democratic deficits and erode citizens’ trust in the electoral system.
We urge lawmakers to halt further delays and demonstrate leadership by facilitating the immediate passage of these bills in line with the aspirations of young Nigerians and women across the country.
Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford further postponement. The time to act is now.
Signed,
Chinye Patrick-Biose
Edo State Coordinator
