MAP Development Initiative (MAPDI), a non-governmental organisation, has urged the National Assembly to accelerate work on crucial electoral reform bills currently before it.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Mayowa Adeniran, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo to mark the National Day of Action in Youth-Led Electoral Reforms.
Adeniran explained that youth groups under the Youth Political Participation (YPP) Electoral Reform Consortium have consistently pushed for three priority reforms now awaiting legislative action.
He highlighted the first as the amendment of Sections 153 and 154 of the Constitution to establish a transparent and merit-based system for appointing the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Adeniran stressed the need for a special non-partisan selection panel drawn from respected national institutions to handle the appointment of the INEC Chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners.
He noted that the current appointment model raises concerns about political interference. According to him, an impartial mechanism would boost citizens’ trust in INEC, ensure neutrality, and minimise perceptions of bias.
“This reform will improve the integrity of elections and reinforce INEC’s independence,” he said.
Adeniran further emphasised the need to amend Section 285 of the Constitution to shorten the timeframe for pre-election and post-election judicial cases, describing prolonged litigation as a threat to fairness and judicial efficiency.
He argued that extended court battles create undue advantages, strain the judiciary, and allow candidates with unresolved cases to occupy public office.
“Timely adjudication ensures fairness, reduces political tension, and aligns electoral justice with democratic expectations,” he added.
He also called on lawmakers to pass the enabling act and constitutional amendments required to establish an independent body to investigate and prosecute electoral offences.
Adeniran warned that electoral malpractices such as violence, vote buying, intimidation, and impunity continue to erode the credibility of elections.
“A dedicated commission will professionalise investigations, ensure accountability, and deter manipulative practices that compromise the will of voters.
“These reforms respond directly to long standing public concerns and reflect demands consistently voiced by young Nigerians who experience the consequences of political manipulation, delayed justice, and weak institutional safeguards.
“The reforms will strengthen transparency, reduce tension around elections, and improve the credibility of outcomes at all levels of government.”
He added that MAPDI, as the Southwest partner of the YPP Electoral Reform Consortium, is urging federal lawmakers to show commitment to democratic advancement by supporting these youth-driven proposals.
“These decisions affect the stability of communities, the confidence of citizens, and the continuity of democratic governance.
“We also urge Nigerians, civil society organisations, journalists, and community influencers to continue amplifying these demands as the votes approach,” he said.
