NOJ Founder Urges Electoral Act Amendment for Youth Voting

Mr. Jyde Adelakun, the founder of the National Organization for Justice (NOJ), has appealed for an amendment to the Electoral Act to enable Nigerians who will turn 18 by January 16, 2027, to participate in the 2027 general elections.

In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, Adelakun described the current electoral framework as a barrier to youth participation in the democratic process. He pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conclude the continuous voter registration exercise on July 26, 2026, which would exclude young Nigerians who attain voting age after the registration deadline.

Adelakun urged President Tinubu to use his legislative power to initiate the amendment, proposing that the voter registration deadline be reduced to 60 days before elections. He also suggested that citizens aged 17 who will turn 18 by election day should be allowed to register in advance, with their registration becoming valid upon reaching adulthood.

The letter called for supplementary funding to support nationwide voter registration efforts.