The MAP Development Initiative (MAPDI), acting as the Southwest partner of the Youth Political Participation (YPP) Electoral Reform Consortium, coordinated by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), and supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) has called on members of the South West National Assembly Caucus to champion youth-driven electoral reforms ahead of upcoming legislative votes.
The call coincides with the National Day of Action on Youth-Led Electoral Reforms, a nationwide campaign coordinated by YPP partners across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
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 strengthen youth engagement in elections, promote democratic accountability, and advance reforms that improve the transparency and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
At a briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, Executive Director, MAPDI, and Southwest partner, Youth Participation (YPP) Electoral Reform Consortium, Mayowa Adeniran, said the National Assembly is preparing to vote on a set of constitutional and electoral reforms that are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, there is the urgent need for Southwest legislators and other legislators to support the electoral reforms, especially amending Section 285 to introduce thresholds and deadlines for filing petitions, ensuring that post-election cases are resolved before swearing-in ceremonies.
He argued that this reduces political tension and prevents delays in governance.
“The future of Nigeria’s electoral accountability and public trust depends on the decisions made now. These reforms deserve passage without delay to empower the youth and strengthen democracy.”
Also, Adeniran in the statement argued for independent appointment of electoral officials, calling for the amendment of Sections 153 and 154 to establish a non-partisan INEC selection committee, removing discretionary powers in appointing national and state electoral commissioners.
The aim, he said, is to enhance the independence, neutrality, and public trust in the electoral body.
CFU-YPP Ambassador, John Oyetunde called for accountability mechanisms to investigate and prosecute election-related crimes, tackling issues like vote buying, electoral violence, and political manipulation.
Oyetunde commented, “A strong, independent judiciary is essential for credible elections.
“Delays in post-election litigation erode public trust and embolden political actors who manipulate the system.”
Another Ambassador of CFU—YPP, Suliat Eletu Layeni, emphasized that vote buying and election-related violence remain major barriers to meaningful participation.
These reforms directly address those challenges, giving young Nigerians confidence in the process,” she added.
Habib Oladapo stressed that the reforms will benefit lawmakers as well. “Transparent, timely, and accountable elections reduce post-election disputes, protect legitimate mandates, and strengthen the credibility of legislative institutions. Legislators who support the reforms position themselves as champions of democratic accountability and secure long-term trust with constituents.”
Adeniran urged Southwest lawmakers to vote in favor of the youth-led priorities, emphasizing that the decisions will impact community stability, citizen confidence, and the continuity of democratic governance.
The consortium also called on civil society organizations, journalists, and community influencers to amplify these demands, creating public pressure to ensure legislators uphold national interest over partisan concerns.
As part of ongoing advocacy, MAPDI will host a multi-stakeholder Town Hall on Electoral Reform next Thursday in Osogbo, Osun State.
The event will convene state lawmakers, CSOs, youth leaders, community development associations, market leaders, and policy advocates to build a unified voice for youth-driven electoral reforms.
“The future of Nigeria’s electoral accountability and public trust depends on the decisions made now. These reforms deserve passage without delay to empower the youth and strengthen democracy,” Adeniran stated.
The consortium reaffirms its commitment to advancing a democratic process that reflects the aspirations of Nigeria’s young population and ensuring that youth voices influence the trajectory of national elections.