The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) implementing partners have jointly called for the adoption of electoral reforms which will go a long way in rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process, enhance the efficiency of elections, and ensure that outcomes reflect the true will of the people.
Under the aegis of Citizens Memorandum for Electoral Reforms, represented by the 16 EU-SDGN implementing partners, presented 37 draft electoral recommendations in Abuja, which are set to be submitted to the National Assembly for review.
Presenting the recommendations, Dr. Akin Akingbolu, Executive Director of the Center for Media and Society (CEMESO), emphasised the significance of amending the Electoral Act to boost voter turnout and civic education.
“As the National Assembly embarks on another round of electoral reforms, we present this Citizens Memorandum for Electoral Reforms as a crucial resource to guide lawmakers and all stakeholders in addressing priority areas requiring urgent attention,” Akingbolu noted.
Ibijoke Faborode, Executive Director of ElectHer, said that the proposed reforms would address long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s electoral system. “These reforms will play a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by closing the gaps that have hindered fair elections over the years.”
Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, stressed the need for INEC’s autonomy to be reinforced by establishing an Electoral Offences Commission. This move, he explained, would ensure the effective prosecution of electoral offenders.
“The lack of consequences for electoral offences, such as vote buying, is deeply troubling. We have called on the National Assembly to review the sanctions regime to deter such practices. Nigerians need to understand the long-term implications of selling their votes—they lose their voices and the ability to hold politicians accountable,” Itodo added.
On his part, Executive Director TAF Africa, Dr. Jake Epelle, the reform would promote inclusive participation “All Nigerians, including marginalised groups, can fully participate in the electoral process. The reforms will promote the inclusion of women, youth, and people with disabilities in the political process”.
Organisations represented at the event included: the CSOs are the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), ElectHER, International Press Centre (IPC), International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), Justice, Development and Peace Makers Centre (JDPMC), Osogbo,Justice Development and Peace Movement (JDPM), Oyo, Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI), Ekiti, The Kukah Centre, Nigeria Women’s Trust Fund (NWTF),Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC),SOS Children’s Villages (SOS), TAF Africa and Yiaga Africa.
