Civil society demands constitutional amendments ahead of 2027

Commits to electoral integrity

By Henry Uche

Connected Advocacy, South-South partner of YERP-Naija, has called on members of the National Assembly to urgently expedite the passage of critical constitutional amendment bills aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation commended members for their continued commitment to electoral reform and democratic development while emphasising the urgent need to finalise and transmit key amendment bills to State Houses of Assembly for concurrence.

“On behalf of young Nigerians, particularly youth across the South-South region, we advocate for the passage of the following priority constitutional amendment bills under the YERP-Naija Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).”

Among others are:

Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349 & SB 440). To promote gender inclusion and address the underrepresentation of women in political offices.

Electoral Offences Commission Bill (HB 1219). To establish an independent body responsible for investigating and prosecuting electoral offences, thereby strengthening transparency and accountability.

Independent Candidacy Bill (HB 1630 & SB 812). To expand democratic participation by allowing qualified individuals to contest elections without party affiliation.

Conclusion of election petitions before swearing-in of elected officials Bill (SB 508). To ensure that all election disputes are concluded before the swearing-in of elected officials.

According to Prince Israel Orekha, Executive Director of Connected Advocacy and YERP-Naija South-South Coordinator, the passage of these reforms is long overdue and essential to enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The civil group noted that while implementation timelines may be adjusted to subsequent electoral cycles, the legislative process must be completed without delay to restore public trust in democratic institutions, particularly among young Nigerians.

They called for increased public awareness of key provisions in the recently amended 2026 Electoral Act, which introduces significant improvements to electoral transparency and integrity.

Key highlights of the amended Act include: mandatory use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to prevent voter impersonation.

Compulsory transmission of election results directly from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) on election day.

Updated voter registration requirements, including the presentation of a National Identification Number (NIN), Nigerian passport, or birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission.

“These reforms reflect long-standing demands from young Nigerians, particularly across the South-South region, for a more transparent and credible electoral process. Now that these provisions are law, it is critical that they are fully implemented by the relevant authorities,” the organisation stated.

Orekha urged citizens to take an active role by sharing this information within their communities, encouraging voter registration, and promoting informed participation in upcoming elections.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, Connected Advocacy reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organisations, and youth groups, to strengthen electoral integrity and promote inclusive democratic participation.