By Stella Edoka
A youth-led electoral reform initiative, the Youth Electoral Reform Project Naija (YERP Naija), has presented a draft advocacy brief to members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, calling for far-reaching reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
Presenting the draft on the floor of the Assembly, the Kogi State Focal Person of YERP Naija, Mr. Solomon Attah, said the initiative provides a platform for constructive engagement between young Nigerians and lawmakers on ways to enhance the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of elections.
Mr. Attah explained that the advocacy brief contains five key electoral reform proposals aimed at boosting public confidence in the electoral process.
He said they include the establishment of an independent body to investigate and prosecute electoral offences, as well as constitutional amendments to ensure election petitions are resolved before elected officials are sworn into office.
According to him, other recommendations highlighted in the brief include the creation of a non-partisan committee for the appointment of leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results, and the introduction of year-round voter registration to widen access and participation for eligible voters.
Mr Attah said the engagement in Kogi State forms part of a nationwide advocacy campaign taking place across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, to secure legislative backing for electoral reforms at the sub-national level.
He emphasised that by engaging state legislatures, YERP Naija is building momentum for reforms that promote credible elections, youth inclusion, accountability, and democratic stability.
YERP Naija is a nationwide advocacy initiative supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and driven by a coalition of youth-focused civil society organisations.
Receiving the draft on behalf of the House, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Olawumi Jacobs, assured the Assembly’s readiness to support the initiative.
He said the advocacy brief would be presented to the Speaker of the House for further legislative consideration.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
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