- Adeniran also identified the amendment of Section 285 of the constitution as another urgent priority
- He noted that implementing these changes would not only strengthen transparency
- He urged federal lawmakers to show commitment to Nigeria’s democratic advancement
The MAP Development Initiative (MAPDI) has urged the National Assembly to fast-track action on critical electoral reform bills currently before lawmakers, stressing that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on timely and decisive intervention.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the call was made by the organisation’s Executive Director, Mayowa Adeniran, in a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo to mark the National Day of Action in Youth-Led Electoral Reforms.
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He noted that youth-focused groups under the Youth Political Participation (YPP) Electoral Reform Consortium have consistently pushed for three key reforms requiring urgent legislative attention.
Adeniran explained that the first priority is the amendment of Sections 153 and 154 of the constitution to establish a transparent and merit-driven process for selecting the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He maintained that a special, non-partisan selection committee drawn from credible national institutions is necessary to eliminate political interference in appointing the INEC chairman and resident electoral commissioners.
He argued that the current appointment process fuels public suspicion and weakens trust in the electoral system. According to him, adopting an impartial mechanism will help reinforce INEC’s neutrality, strengthen its independence, and ultimately enhance the credibility of elections nationwide.
Adeniran also identified the amendment of Section 285 of the constitution as another urgent priority, emphasising the need to shorten the timeline for determining pre-election and post-election cases.
He said prolonged litigation places undue pressure on the judiciary, creates uncertainties, and in some cases allows candidates with pending cases to occupy public office.
He stressed that resolving electoral disputes swiftly is crucial to ensuring fairness, reducing political tension, and aligning electoral justice with democratic values. He added that Nigerians deserve an electoral process where outcomes are not overshadowed by lengthy legal battles.
Furthermore, he called on the National Assembly to pass the enabling act needed to establish an independent commission responsible for investigating and prosecuting electoral offences.
He warned that issues such as vote-buying, violence, intimidation, and widespread impunity continue to compromise elections at all levels.
Adeniran said a dedicated electoral offences body would professionalise investigations, promote accountability, and deter acts that undermine the will of voters.
According to him, these reforms reflect the long-standing demands of young Nigerians who have repeatedly voiced concerns about manipulation, delayed justice, and weak institutional safeguards.
He noted that implementing these changes would not only strengthen transparency but also reduce election-related tension and improve public confidence in electoral outcomes. He urged federal lawmakers to show commitment to Nigeria’s democratic advancement by supporting these youth-driven priorities.
Adeniran further appealed to civil-society organisations, journalists, community leaders, and citizens to continue amplifying these demands as the legislative process unfolds, insisting that the choices made now will shape the stability of communities and the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.
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