By Fadila Sunmola
The MAP Development Initiative (MAPDI), serving as the South West partner of the Youth Political Participation (YPP) Electoral Reform Consortium, has called on members of the South West National Assembly Caucus to champion youth-led electoral reform priorities as the National Assembly prepares for decisive votes on far-reaching constitutional and electoral amendments.
The YPP Consortium, coordinated by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) and supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), joined youth-focused organisations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to mark this year’s National Day of Action. Other partners include JESZ Development Foundation (North West), Fringe Voices (South-South), Child Protection and Peer Learning Initiative (North East), and Better Community Life Initiative (South East).
According to the Executive Director of MAPDI, Mr. Mayowa Adeniran, Nigeria has entered a critical stage in its democratic evolution as lawmakers prepare to consider reforms that could reshape electoral integrity, strengthen institutional independence, and restore public confidence in election outcomes.
Youth organisations nationwide have prioritised three major reforms, all of which are currently before the National Assembly.
The Three Priority Reforms
1. A Transparent, Merit-Based Appointment Process for INEC Leadership. The consortium is seeking amendments to sections 153 and 154 of the Constitution to remove unilateral presidential discretion in appointing the INEC Chair, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners.
They propose the creation of a non-partisan selection committee drawn from credible national institutions.
According to MAPDI, this will “enhance neutrality, reduce perceptions of political interference, and strengthen trust in INEC’s independence.”
2. Timely Settlement of Pre- and Post-Election Cases
Youth groups want section 285 amended to shorten judicial timelines, introduce eligibility thresholds for filing petitions, and adjust the jurisdiction of appellate courts. They argue that delayed judgments allow candidates with pending cases to assume office, heighten political tension, and weaken electoral justice.
3. Establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission. The consortium is urging lawmakers to pass the enabling Act that will create an independent body empowered to investigate and prosecute electoral offences such as vote-buying, intimidation, and violence.
Mr Adeniran emphasised that these reforms address long-standing public concerns and reflect the demands of young Nigerians who continue to bear the brunt of weak institutional safeguards and prolonged political disputes.
He added that lawmakers stand to benefit from supporting these reforms, as a more credible electoral system reduces post-election crises, lowers the cost of litigation, and solidifies public trust in their mandates.
Call to Action and Upcoming Town Hall
MAPDI urged National Assembly members from the South West to demonstrate leadership by voting in favour of the youth-led proposals, stressing that the outcome “will shape the stability of communities and strengthen democratic governance.”
The organisation also called on citizens, civil society groups, journalists, and community influencers to sustain public pressure as lawmakers approach the final voting stage.
As part of ongoing engagement efforts, MAPDI will host a multi-stakeholder Town Hall on Electoral Reform next Thursday in Osogbo, Osun State, bringing together state legislators, civil society organisations, youth leaders, market associations, and policy advocates to amplify support for the proposed reforms.
“These reforms deserve passage, not delay. The future of electoral accountability and public trust depends on the decisions made at this moment,” said Mayowa Adeniran, Executive Director of MAP Development Initiative.
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