…push lawmakers for urgent electoral Reforms
By Abubakar Yunusa
Kimpact Development Initiative has urged the National Assembly to approve key electoral reforms ahead of voting on the amendment bill.
The organisation, a national partner in the Youth Political Participation Electoral Reform Consortium, made the call during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
KDI recommended that all pre-election cases be concluded before election day, while post-election disputes should be resolved before inauguration.
It also called for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to investigate and prosecute violations.
The Executive Director of KDI, Bukola Idowu, said the group wants sections 163 and 154 of the Constitution amended to remove presidential discretion in appointing the INEC chairman, national commissioners and resident electoral commissioners.
He said the reforms should introduce a non-partisan selection committee drawn from reputable national institutions.
Reading the prepared statement, KDI Programme Manager, Mercy Abiem, said timelines for pre-election and post-election cases must be strengthened, with jurisdictional adjustments for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
She also proposed eligibility thresholds for filing petitions to reduce frivolous cases.
Abiem warned that prolonged litigation creates unfair advantages, pressures the judiciary and allows individuals with unresolved cases to assume office.
She said timely judicial decisions would reduce tension, strengthen trust and align electoral justice with public expectations.
KDI argued that dedicated prosecution of electoral offences would curb violence, vote-buying, intimidation and impunity.
Abiem noted that young Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of delayed justice, political manipulation and weak safeguards, making reform urgent.
She said a more transparent process would reduce disputes, improve credibility and protect legitimate mandates.
KDI urged lawmakers to support youth-led proposals, saying their decisions will affect community stability and national confidence.
The group also called on civil society organisations, journalists and citizens to sustain pressure as the vote approaches.
It said the reforms “deserve passage, not delay,” stressing that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment in strengthening electoral accountability.
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