2027: Nigerian Youth Demand Quick, Impactful Constitutional; Electoral Reforms 

Nigerian youth have demanded a quick , impactful constitutional and electoral Reforms ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija), is a coalition of youth-focused civil society organizations (CSOs) made the demand at  the Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija) conference held  in Abuja, Nigeria on June 19, 2025

The youth  expressed concern that they may be further alienated from the electoral process during the 2027 general elections unless urgent steps are taken to effect meaningful reforms.

The demands came,  as the National Assembly committees on constitutional review and Electoral Matters begin holding public hearings in July, 2025.

According to the statement ;delays in the timeline of the National Assembly for electoral reform have become a source of concern.

A  statement  read by  Abimbola Aladejare-Salako, the South West Coordinator, the youth called  on young people across the country to actively participate  in these processes, in order to influence the changes they hope to see.

The statement reveals that  Youth represent 40 percent of Nigeria’s 93,469,008 registered voters, and must be involved in shaping the elections in our country.”

“A 2024 countrywide survey by the YERP-Naija campaign showed that Nigerian youth were dissatisfied with the process of the 2023 general elections, due to challenges including voter suppression, and the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit presidential election results in real-time, as provided in their guidelines. Without free, fair and credible elections, a major pillar of democracy, Nigerian youth may be further alienated from the electoral process during the 2027 general elections.

“The YERP-Naija Campaign calls on the National and State Assemblies to provide opportunities for young people to be heard during upcoming constitutional and electoral reform public hearings, and other relevant processes. We equally call on young people across the country to actively participate  in these processes, in order to influence the changes they hope to see. Youth represent 40 percent of Nigeria’s 93,469,008 registered voters, and must be involved in shaping the elections in our country.

The YERP-Naija campaign conducted a countrywide survey, 12 youth forums and multiple harmonization sessions across the six geopolitical zones to come up with the priority recommendations of Nigerian youth. These consultations engaged over 4,000 youth in Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT. This process led to the adoption of 87 recommendations, which were further refined to 25.

“The YERP-Naija campaign top five recommendation include:
Mandatory electronic transmission of election results to ensure real-time transparency and credibility;Transfer of the President’s executive powers to appoint INEC chairman and national commissioners to a special non-partisan committee  to create a level playing field for all contestants;
The conclusion of post-election petitions before inauguration to ensure fairness, and protect democratic integrity;Amendment of the Electoral Act to provide clarity on  non-stop, continuous  voter registration and PVC collection; andEstablishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to investigate and diligently prosecute electoral crimes independently;

“It calls on the National and State Assemblies to pass these recommendations to give Nigerians the elections we deserve. We also call on all Nigerian youth to actively participate in the upcoming National Assembly public hearings. These engagements provide a critical opportunity for Nigerians to shape the trajectory of democracy and ensure citizen-led governance reform.”The YERP Naija campaign also calls on all Nigerian youth to actively participate in endeavours on improving Nigeria’s political and electoral processes, including all levels of the Nigerian Youth Conference.
About the YERP-Naija Campaign.

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

The communique was signed  by  Abimbola Aladejare-Salako- South West Coordinator, Zigwai Ayuba- North West Coordinator and Ashraf Tukur- North East Coordinator .Other signatories to the statement were
Bukola Idowu- North Central Coordinator,Nonso Orakwe- South East Coordinator and  Israel Orekha-South South Coordinator