Empowering Nigerian Youth: A Call for Electoral Reform

As Nigeria continue to experience the heat and impact of our electoral processes, the voices of the nation’s youth grow louder, demanding meaningful reforms to ensure fair, transparent, and inclusive elections. Against this backdrop, the WhillzTrust Foundation, in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute, is set to host a pivotal gathering of young people from the South-South geopolitical zone. This strategic Youth Electoral Reform Project aims to empower young Nigerians to actively engage in shaping the future of their democracy.

On the 23rd of February 2024, the vibrant cities of Benin and Port Harcourt will serve as the epicenters for discussions, as Youth Ambassadors from Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers State converge for the South-South Youth Electoral Reform Forum. This gathering represents a crucial opportunity for young Nigerians to articulate their vision for electoral reform and to advocate for meaningful change.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed growing calls for electoral reform, fueled by widespread concerns over irregularities, violence, and disenfranchisement during elections. Young people, in particular, have been at the forefront of these calls, recognizing the pivotal role that fair and transparent elections play in shaping the country’s future.

The South-South Youth Electoral Reform Forum provides a platform for these voices to be heard, as participants come together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and develop recommendations for improving the electoral process. From voter education and registration to the conduct of elections and the role of security forces, every aspect of the electoral cycle will be scrutinized and discussed.

The recommendations that emerge from this forum will carry significant weight, as they reflect the aspirations and concerns of a generation poised to inherit the mantle of leadership in Nigeria. It is imperative that policymakers, electoral authorities, and civil society organizations listen attentively to these recommendations and take concrete steps to implement them.

Electoral reform is not a luxury; it is a necessity for the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy and the safeguarding of the rights and aspirations of its citizens. By ensuring that elections are free, fair, and credible, Nigeria can foster greater trust in its democratic institutions, strengthen the rule of law, and pave the way for inclusive and sustainable development.

As the South-South Youth Electoral Reform Forum convenes in Port Harcourt City, the eyes of the nation are upon them. Their recommendations must be heard, their voices must be amplified, and their demands for electoral reform must be heeded. For in the hands of Nigeria’s youth lies the power to shape a brighter, more democratic future for generations to come.

The time for electoral reform is now, and the youth of Nigeria are ready to lead the charge. Let their voices ring out loud and clear, echoing the call for a more just, equitable, and democratic Nigeria.

(All pictures from Edo: South-South Youth Electoral Reform Forum powered by the WhillzTrust Foundation, in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute)