By Godwin Oritse

Connected Advocacy, a non-governmental organisation based in Nigeria’s South-South region, has urged members of the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of key constitutional amendment bills aimed at strengthening the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, Prince Israel Orekha, Executive Director of Connected Advocacy, commended members of the National Assembly for their sustained commitment to electoral reform and democratic development, while stressing the need to expedite the finalisation and transmission of key amendment bills to State Houses of Assembly for concurrence.

“On behalf of young Nigerians, particularly youths across the South-South region, we advocate the passage of priority constitutional amendment bills under the Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). These include the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349 & SB 440), aimed at promoting gender inclusion and addressing the underrepresentation of women in political offices, as well as the Electoral Offences Commission Bill (HB 1219),” Orekha stated.
He added that the proposed amendments also seek to establish an independent body responsible for investigating and prosecuting electoral offences, thereby strengthening transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Part of the statement reads:”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.

“The passage of these reforms is long overdue and essential to enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s electoral system. The organization further 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.
We are calling 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,”

,We are also 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 organizations, and youth groups, to strengthen electoral integrity and promote inclusive democratic participation.”