CSOs, NUJ renew push for Electoral Reforms in Nigeria

The leadership of two prominent civil society organizations, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) of the United States and its Nigerian partner, Kimpact Developmental Initiative (KDI), paid a courtesy visit to the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

The NUJ was represented by its National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, alongside Achike Chude from the National Secretariat, and Assistant National Secretaries Korede Opeyemi and Tita Onyebuchi.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Bem Aga, Programs Director of NDI Nigeria, who led the delegation, explained that the visit aimed to strengthen existing partnerships and seek new areas of collaboration, particularly in advancing electoral reforms in Nigeria. He reaffirmed NDI’s readiness to work hand in hand with the Alhassan-led NUJ leadership to promote shared national goals.

Mr. Aga highlighted the value of the partnership between NDI and NUJ, noting that it had already made significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic space. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing initiatives with KDI, which focus on educating Nigerian youths and encouraging their active involvement in governance.

Also speaking, Sannom Sarki, Program Director of KDI, accompanied by Senior Program Officer Gbemisola Adebowale, briefed the NUJ leadership on the group’s ongoing efforts to engage key stakeholders, including lawmakers at the National Assembly, on necessary electoral reforms. She disclosed that KDI has been gathering feedback from engagements across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and conducting a national survey involving over 4,000 youths. The survey assessed young Nigerians’ opinions on critical aspects of the electoral process, with the ultimate goal of promoting reforms and good governance.

Sannom appealed for the NUJ’s support and partnership in achieving these objectives, stressing the vital role of the media in fostering credible electoral processes and democratic accountability.

In response, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi warmly welcomed the delegations and assured them of the Union’s willingness to collaborate. He pledged to mobilize the NUJ’s structures in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in support of electoral reforms and civic education efforts.

Comrade Yahya also extended a formal invitation to NDI and KDI to attend the upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Union to make a presentation on their programs and objectives.

The visit was rounded off with the presentation of mobilization materials and group photographs, with both sides expressing optimism that this renewed relationship would yield positive results in strengthening governance, youth development, and media involvement in Nigeria’s democratic process.