N’Assembly Pledges to Strengthen Electoral Legal Framework for Transparent, Inclusive Elections

The National Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to improving Nigeria’s electoral legal framework in an effort aimed to ensure efficient and fair elections, free from electoral malpractice and other vices.

Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters and representative of Oyo South, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, during a town hall South-West Zonal Legislative Interactive Session in Ibadan, Oyo State, stressed the importance of inclusivity in the legislative process during a press conference.

He stated that the session was designed to facilitate dialogue between young people and distinguished members of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas regarding electoral reforms and priorities.

Alli noted that by engaging with the public and encouraging the active involvement of young people in shaping electoral policies, the National Assembly has sought to establish a more transparent and equitable electoral system for the benefit of all Nigerians.

This he said, is commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration which marks an important step in the ongoing effort to strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions.

Alli averred that: “We believe the opinion gathered here are not only important but are required inputs for the future of elections and the electoral process in Nigeria.

“We cannot but get you young Nigerians involved in drawing-up the political work plan and determination of the architecture of your future as active citizens of our great Nation.

“The theme for this event is a deliberate step into the future of elections in Nigeria: what it should be, how the process should run seamlessly and how it should be technologically driven to make the work of the electoral umpire easier and devoid electoral violence, while avoiding any form of exclusion from the electoral process.

“Post-Election commentaries have shown that the electoral administration in is an uphill task and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot answer should not be over-burdened rather the Commidsion must be given all the required support to succeed in its quest to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

Senator Allli, However, said the event would serve as positive strive towards achieving the renewed hope Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu who is also committed to reforming electoral legal framework for positive, effective and efficient leadership recruitment process in Nigeria.

In his remark, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun said the theme of the event is important considering unprecedented youth participation in last General Election in Nigeria.

According to him, participation of young people in democratic process especially national elections is not just desirable but imperative.

“The participation of young people in general elections or the electoral process are defined by many factors, notably amongst economic
which are political awareness, Education, Conditions, Political Culture, access to information and technology, Youth Representation, Civic Education, Social Networks, Peer influence, Trust in the Electoral Process, Legal and Institutional framework considering their new found enthusiasm, energy, ideas and aspirations.

“Today, we embark on a journey to explore the Legislative framework that facilitate their engagement in the electoral process or otherwise, and we will seek innovative solutions to
further enhance their participation in future elections.

“The enmergence of new trends fueled by technological advancements and very dynamie societal norms, pose
challenges and opportunities.

“As we strive to amend our Electoral Act 2022, we nust seek to acconodate very useful and insightful legislative framework to make the participation of our young people more visible and audible.”

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Residents Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Dr. Adeniran Tella said election remain one of major tools in participating in governance which Nigerian youths should not be in exception.

He urged the civil society, media and development partners to create opportunities for enhancing the capacity of young legislators through training, publications and learning exchange visit.

Dr. Tella promised the commission continuous support for the Nigerian youths to take active part in governance while admonishing the youth to do their part by participating actively in all the elective post.

In their remarks, the various Youth organizations at the event, highlighted various challenges confronting elections process in Nigeria, varying from: Electoral malpractice, Electoral violence, Bribery and Malfunction of Electoral machine.

They all called for the reform of electoral process in Nigeria for the success of upcoming election in the country.

The program, theme: Legislation and Participation of Young People in Elections: The Emerging Trends had in attendance former governor of Oyo State, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, Sen. Yaya Abdulahi, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin, and the Special Adviser to Osun State governor on Legal Matters, Nurudeen Kareem, among others.