Political economist Pat Utomi, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), and humanitarian activist Kennedy Iyere have unveiled the Nigerian Youths and Women Political Emancipation Movement (NYWOPEM) and formally launched the #FixNASS2027 civic campaign in Lagos.
The unveiling, organised by the Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI), brought together stakeholders across political parties, civil society groups, youth bodies, religious organisations, and women-led associations.
“Youth and Women Hold the Numbers”
Speaking at the event, Iyere — founder of YOTSI and convener of the movement — said NYWOPEM was conceived to address what he described as the persistent underrepresentation of youths and women in governance despite accounting for over 60% of Nigeria’s voting population.
According to him, while young people and women make up a significant portion of registered voters, their presence in the National Assembly and other elective offices remains disproportionately low.
He argued that this imbalance has weakened inclusive policymaking and reduced accountability in governance.
#FixNASS2027: A Grassroots Mobilisation Drive
The movement also launched #FixNASS2027, described as a national political sensitisation and grassroots voter mobilisation campaign.
Iyere explained that the campaign aims to:
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Provide a unified electoral engagement and networking platform
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Mobilise youths and women to contest legislative seats in 2027
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Support credible candidates at federal and state levels
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Replace lawmakers perceived as lacking independence and responsiveness
He stressed that the initiative is not affiliated with any political party, but will support individuals deemed competent and capable, regardless of platform. Endorsed candidates, he said, would sign written social contracts to ensure accountability to constituents.
Push for Mandatory Electronic Transmission
A major highlight of the event was renewed pressure on the National Assembly to make real-time electronic transmission of election results compulsory.
Falana called on lawmakers to urgently amend the Electoral Act to mandate electronic transmission from polling units to the central server of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He noted that following the 2023 general elections and Supreme Court rulings, electronic transmission remains optional under current law — a situation he believes should be corrected to strengthen electoral integrity.
Falana recalled that ahead of the 2023 elections, INEC had assured Nigerians that accreditation would be conducted using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and that results would be electronically transmitted from polling units.
Utomi: Network Concerns “Unfounded”
Utomi reinforced the call for mandatory e-transmission, dismissing arguments about network limitations.
He argued that once results are electronically captured at polling units, they can be uploaded once connectivity is available — similar to how digital banking platforms operate across Nigeria.
Utomi warned lawmakers against undermining electoral credibility, stating that history would judge harshly any attempt to sustain processes that enable manipulation.
Peaceful Civic Engagement
Iyere emphasised that #FixNASS2027 will operate as a lawful, peaceful civic platform. Advocacy efforts, he said, would be taken to constituency offices and homes of members of the current 10th National Assembly to demand unconditional approval of real-time electronic transmission of results.
He described the movement as a political reawakening aimed at empowering youths and women to use their numerical strength strategically in shaping Nigeria’s legislative future.
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