Since the country’s return to democratic governance in 1999, Nigeria has grappled with persistent setbacks and modest gains in its electoral process. While the early post-military elections were marred by irregularities, the nation gradually witnessed improvements, most notably in the 2011 and 2015 elections. The 2011 polls marked a turning point after the widely condemned 2007 elections, and 2015 went further by delivering the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties at the federal level. However, the optimism that greeted these milestones began to fade in subsequent electoral cycles.
The 2019 and 2023 general elections saw a reversal in electoral quality, especially concerning transparency, voter suppression, and the credibility of result collation. These issues triggered widespread disillusionment, particularly among Nigeria’s youth, who comprise a significant portion of the electorate.
The Youth: 40% of Voters, Yet Marginalised
Young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 make up an estimated 40 percent of the country’s 93.4 million registered voters. Despite this demographic strength, youth participation in the democratic process—both as voters and candidates—remains limited. The 2023 general elections, in particular, underscored the deep systemic flaws that continue to marginalize young people’s voices.
During the 2023 elections, widespread voter suppression and the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically transmit presidential results from polling units to collation centres in real-time undermined public trust in the electoral process. This breach of expectation not only affected confidence in INEC but also led to allegations of result manipulation, further eroding the credibility of the elections.
As a result, many young Nigerians now question whether their votes truly matter—a dangerous sentiment that threatens to weaken the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
Youth-Led Electoral Reform: The YERP-Naija Campaign
In response to these setbacks, a coalition of young Nigerians across all 36 states has launched the Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija)—a non-partisan movement championing urgent and comprehensive electoral reform. Driven by the need to restore trust in the democratic process, the campaign seeks to ensure that future elections, particularly in 2027, are free, fair, transparent, and inclusive.
The YERP-Naija movement has gone beyond protests and social media campaigns. It conducted rigorous nationwide surveys, facilitated regional youth dialogues, and developed actionable recommendations aimed at addressing the core issues exposed by the 2023 elections. These include constitutional and legislative reforms to strengthen electoral integrity, transparency, and fairness.
Key Reform Proposals from YERP-Naija
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Appointment of INEC Chair by an Independent Body:
To ensure the neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral umpire, YERP-Naija is calling for a constitutional amendment that transfers the power to appoint the INEC Chairman from the President to a non-partisan, independent committee. This move would reduce executive interference and bolster public trust in INEC’s impartiality. -
Mandatory Electronic Transmission of Results:
One of the most contentious issues in the 2023 election was INEC’s failure to electronically transmit results as promised. To prevent future ambiguity, the group demands that the Electoral Act be amended to mandate the electronic transfer of election results from polling units in real time, ensuring transparency and credibility. -
Timely Resolution of Election Petitions:
YERP-Naija advocates that all election-related court cases must be concluded before elected officials are sworn in. This would prevent the current scenario where candidates assumed office despite legal disputes over their election, which undermines the legitimacy of the process and public confidence in judicial resolutions.
Mobilising Legislative Support and Public Action
In 2024, YERP-Naija submitted detailed memoranda to the National Assembly containing these and other proposals. Through persistent grassroots and legislative advocacy, the campaign has already secured commitments from 182 federal and state legislators who pledged to support the reforms. While this progress is commendable, the campaign acknowledges that it is not sufficient.
Therefore, YERP-Naija is calling on all Nigerian youth to get actively involved by participating in the scheduled constitutional review public hearings at the National Assembly in July 2025. This is a critical moment for the youth to amplify their voices and press lawmakers to adopt and vote in favour of meaningful reform.
Additionally, the movement urges young Nigerians to contact their representatives directly, demand accountability, and insist on voting “YES” for reforms that safeguard the future of the country’s democracy.
A Call to President Tinubu and Lawmakers
YERP-Naija extends a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and every member of Nigeria’s National and State Assemblies: Pass these youth-backed electoral reforms into law. The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on your willingness to listen to the voices of those who constitute the majority of the electorate—its youth.
These reforms are not just technical adjustments; they are a moral imperative. A credible electoral system fosters political stability, encourages inclusive governance, and sets the stage for sustainable national development. Without credible elections, democracy becomes hollow—stripped of its legitimacy and unable to reflect the true will of the people.
Restoring Confidence in Democracy Begins Now
If Nigeria is to avoid another cycle of electoral disappointment in 2027, decisive action must begin today. The youth have done their part by diagnosing the problems, proposing solutions, and engaging lawmakers. It is now up to the political leadership to demonstrate sincerity by enacting these reforms.
The credibility of Nigeria’s democracy hangs in the balance. The youth have spoken—loud and clear. The time for reform is now.
