In marking the National Day of Action on Youth-Led Electoral Reforms, the Media Advocacy Promotion for Development Initiative, MAPDI, joined youth organizations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to issue urgent demands for transformative electoral changes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The key demands include a transparent, merit-based process for appointing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) leadership, swift conclusion of all pre-election cases before election day, resolution of post-election cases before swearing-in, and establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to prosecute offenders.
The demands were made during the South West Regional Press Conference on National Day of Action Youth-led Electoral Reform which was convened by the Youth Political Participation (YPP) electoral reform consortium coordinated by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) and supported by Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
The reforms address widespread public frustration over political manipulation, delayed justice, and weak electoral safeguards, which disproportionately affect young Nigerians.
Mayowa Adeniran, Team Lead, MAP Development Initiative, CFLI-YPP South West Partner, said that the reforms will strengthen transparency, reduce tension around elections, and improve the credibility of outcomes across all levels of government.
Adeniran also stressed the need to increase civic education and educate the young ones on the electoral process.
“There is a need to increase civic knowledge beyond voting day, this way, we can increase youth participation because It’s not about voting alone, but the process,” he said.
MAPDI urged National Assembly members to prioritize these youth-driven reforms, warning that their passage is essential for community stability, citizen confidence, and democratic continuity.
The group also called on Nigerians, civil society, journalists, and influencers to amplify the demands through sustained public pressure, countering partisan interests.
MAPDI announced plans to convene a multi-stakeholder town hall meeting on Electoral Reform in Osogbo, Osun State.
It stated that the event will bring together the State House of Assembly, CSOs, youth leaders, community development associations, market leaders, and policy advocates to build a unified voice around these pressing priorities.
The consortium, which includes JESZ Development Foundation (North West), Fringe Voices (South South), Child Protection and Peer Learning Initiative (North East), and Better Community Life Initiative (South East), works to expand youth engagement in elections, strengthen democratic accountability, and promote reforms that improve the transparency of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Other members at the press conference include Habib Oladapo, BOT Member, MAP Development Initiative, Suliyat Eletu Layeni, CFLI-YPP Ambassador, John Oyetunde, CFLI-YPP Ambassador.