Yiaga Africa has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to prioritise comprehensive electoral reforms over proposals to introduce compulsory voting in Nigeria. The civic group said the focus should be on fixing structural challenges that continue to undermine the nation’s electoral integrity.
In a statement issued on Monday, Yiaga Africa argued that mandatory voting would not resolve the core issues plaguing Nigeria’s elections, such as transparency, accountability, and institutional independence. It said efforts should instead be channelled toward meaningful reforms that would restore public trust and enhance participation.
One of the key reforms proposed by the organisation is the mandatory electronic transmission of results. Yiaga Africa maintained that making this process compulsory in the Electoral Act would significantly reduce manipulation and increase transparency during elections.
The group also advocated the unbundling of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to them, creating specialised bodies—such as an Electoral Offences Commission and a Political Party Regulatory Commission—would allow INEC to concentrate on its primary functions.
Additionally, Yiaga Africa recommended reforms to State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). It called for the removal of governors’ powers to appoint SIEC members and stressed the need for financial autonomy to ensure local government elections are free from political interference.
Other proposals include the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes, and the introduction of early voting for essential workers such as security personnel and election officials.
“Compulsory voting may seem like a quick fix, but it does not address the underlying issues responsible for voter apathy,” Yiaga Africa stated. “The solution lies in creating a transparent and credible electoral system that encourages voluntary participation.”
The organisation urged lawmakers to take bold steps in amending the Electoral Act in ways that would guarantee democratic credibility ahead of future elections.
