A youth-focused advocacy group has issued a strong warning to Nigeria's National Assembly, stating that further delays in finalising crucial amendments to the nation's electoral laws could jeopardise the integrity and smooth conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Uneven Progress Between Chambers
The Youth-led Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija), in a statement released on Friday, highlighted a significant disparity in the pace of work between the two legislative chambers. The House of Representatives successfully completed its clause-by-clause review and voting on proposed changes to the Electoral Act by December 26, 2025. This achievement was praised as a vital step forward.
However, the coalition pointed out a critical bottleneck in the Senate. The upper chamber adjourned for its end-of-year recess without even beginning deliberations on the same electoral reform bills. This delay, according to the group, injects a dangerous level of uncertainty into the entire reform timeline.
Constitutional Deadlines and Past Lessons
Bukola Idowu, the Executive Director of the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), who signed the statement, emphasised the risks tied to constitutional and international timelines. He argued that the Senate's slow pace could mean that essential reforms miss the window for implementation before the next election cycle.
The coalition drew on lessons from Nigeria's recent political history, stressing that amendments passed too close to an election are often ineffective. "Experience from previous elections had shown that amendments concluded too close to election periods were often rendered ineffective," the statement noted. This pattern risks repeating itself if the Senate does not act with urgency upon its return.
A Call for Urgent Senate Action
The Senate is scheduled to resume plenary sessions in the second or third week of January 2026. YERP-Naija is urging senators to immediately prioritise the electoral reform bills upon their return. The group called for expedited clause-by-clause consideration and voting to ensure the amendments are passed into law well ahead of the 2027 polls.
Idowu acknowledged that many of the provisions already approved by the House address long-standing demands from young Nigerians across all six geopolitical zones. These demands focus on enhancing transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process. The proposed changes represent years of advocacy by youth groups and civil society organisations aimed at strengthening public trust in democracy.
Beyond the Electoral Act, the coalition also raised concerns about parallel delays in the ongoing constitutional amendment process, which has direct implications for electoral inclusion and integrity. They called on all lawmakers to demonstrate leadership and foresight by fast-tracking reforms that reflect the aspirations of the youth and the broader electorate, describing such reforms as essential for democratic stability and national cohesion.
