YERP_Naija Urges National Assembly to Fast-Track Electoral Reforms in New Year

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Youth-led Electoral Reform Project (YERP_Naija) has congratulated Nigerians on the New Year while calling on the National Assembly to renew its commitment to timely passage of electoral reform bills ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of YERP_Naija and Executive Director of the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), Bukola Idowu, the group noted that progress on the reform process remains uneven between the two chambers of the legislature.

According to the statement, while the House of Representatives has completed clause-by-clause consideration and voting on proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, the Senate is yet to begin the process before proceeding on its end-of-year recess. The Senate is expected to resume plenary in mid-January, when debate and voting on the amendments are likely to commence.

YERP_Naija described the House’s progress as a “significant milestone” and urged the Senate to sustain legislative momentum by giving the reform bills urgent attention once plenary resumes.

The group stressed that several of the provisions already passed by the House align with long-standing priorities championed by young Nigerians advocating for transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process.

YERP_Naija further drew attention to ongoing constitutional amendment processes that have direct implications for electoral integrity and inclusion, warning that delays could hinder the timely implementation of reforms before the 2027 polls.

“As Nigeria steps into 2026, the responsibility before the National Assembly is clear, the decisions taken in the coming weeks will shape not only the conduct of the 2027 elections but also public confidence in democratic institutions for years to come.”

It also called on civil society organisations, the media, youth groups, and community leaders to sustain advocacy and engagement at all levels to ensure the reforms are concluded in the national interest.

The YERP_Naija Consortium, supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a credible, inclusive, and accountable electoral system in Nigeria.