Bauchi, Nigeria — November 2, 2025 

As the National Assembly fully completed public hearings across the country and is about to enter one of the most critical phase on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bills, a coalition of Nigerian Youths under Youth-Led Electoral Reform is calling on our lawmakers to prioritize the future of the nation by ensuring the immediate and uncompromised passage of these electoral reforms.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the youths who represent over 65% of Nigeria’s population—are demanding an electoral framework that guarantees transparency, accountability, and the absolute integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

"The Nigerian youths are no longer passive observers of our democracy; we are the primary stakeholders," said Maryam Adamu, Coordinator Gombe State. "We are tracking these bills closely. Any attempt to water down provisions—especially those regarding the electronic transmission of results, litigations, appointment of INEC Chairman and Commisioners and the unbundling of INEC—is a direct affront to the aspirations of young Nigerians who deserve a system where their votes truly count."

The coalition’s demand focuses on three "Non-Negotiable" pillars within the current bills:

• Technological Integrity: Full legal backing for the mandatory electronic transmission of results from polling units to the IReV portal to eliminate manual collation fraud.

• Powers of appointment: Relocation of powers to appoint INEC Chairperson and Commissioners from the presidency to NJC.

• Completion of litigation: Completion of all pre and post election cases before the swearing in of winners to ensure stability of the system from disruptions.

• Institutional Unbundling: The creation of an Electoral Offences Tribunal to ensure that those who undermine our democracy face swift justice.

• Youth-Centric Inclusivity: Ensuring that the final bill incorporates the specific inputs of youth groups submitted during public hearings, aimed at lowering the barriers for young candidates and improving voter accessibility.

"Transparency is not a favor granted by the government; it is a fundamental right of the electorate," the statement continued. "We call on the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives to fast-track the harmonization process and present a bill that closes the loopholes exposed in previous cycles."

The youth coalition remains committed to mobilizing across the 36 states to ensure that the legislative process reflects the will of the people. We will continue to monitor the "clause-by-clause" consideration of these bills and hold every representative accountable for their vote.

Youth-Led Electoral Reform Project 

The Nigerian Youth-Led  Electoral Reform Project  is a non-partisan coalition cutting across 36 states of the federation of Nigeria dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions through advocacy, awareness creation, and grassroots mobilization.

Umar Muhammad Lawal. CPPLI
08063639144
Umarmuhammadlawal@outlook.com