A coalition of civil society and community-based organisations has called on aspirants to public offices in the 2027 general elections to anchor their manifestos on clearly defined development priorities, urging a shift from rhetoric to measurable governance outcomes.

Relatedly, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) raised concern over a troubling culture of political recycling of individuals facing serious allegations of financial misconduct, calling for their disqualification.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) expressed support for a proposed bill seeking to reserve 30 per cent of seats in Nigeria’s parliament for young people, as stakeholders intensify calls for greater youth inclusion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Operating under the aegis of Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), the group challenged all candidates, particularly governorship hopefuls, to align their policy blueprints with eight priority Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) drawn from the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The coalition said the move was to institutionalise issue-based campaigns and ensure that electoral promises translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

It emphasised that political manifestos must no longer be treated as campaign literature, but as binding governance frameworks.

“Manifestos are not mere campaign documents. Upon election, they become government programmes, projects and budget lines. They determine whether Nigerians receive the true dividends of democracy,” the coalition said.

It stressed the need for people-centred, data-driven and time-bound policy commitments, warning against vague pledges that lack implementation clarity.

Describing the initiative as a “national assignment”, the coalition warned that Nigeria could not afford another electoral cycle driven by vague promises and weak accountability.

It called on the media, development partners and the electorate to demand issue-based campaigns centred on sustainable development outcomes.

Reaffirming its guiding principle of “Nigeria First,” the coalition said all its interventions would prioritise national interest, sustainable development and the welfare of citizens.

The statement was signed by the Director-General of CSCHEI, Kunle Yusuff, who reiterated the coalition’s commitment to shaping a governance culture anchored on responsibility, transparency and results.
URGING the disqualification of aspirants with unresolved corruption allegations, HURIWA warned that such practices undermine public confidence in governance and the anti-corruption campaign.

It recalled the controversial remark attributed to former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, that “once you join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), your sins are forgiven.”

HURIWA described the comment as symbolic of growing public suspicion regarding political accountability within the APC.

It wondered whether the APC has become “a haven for suspected thieves of public funds,” stressing that such perceptions—whether fair or not—pose a serious reputational risk to Nigeria’s democratic institutions and anti-corruption efforts.

In a statement by the National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA reiterated that no political party affiliation should be interpreted as immunity from scrutiny or investigation.

He urged anti-corruption agencies to remain firm, impartial, and consistent in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, warning that selective accountability would further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.

IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, at the Dialogue4Change Policy Roundtable organised by the Youth Quota in Parliament Advocacy in Abuja, yesterday, said the proposed legislation aligned with ongoing efforts to deepen democracy and strengthen representation of young people, women and persons with disabilities in elective offices.

Dantalle, represented at the event by IPAC National Treasurer, Dr Dipo Olayoku, reaffirmed the council’s support for inclusive political participation.

“The aim, objective and purpose of the bill is valuable and should be supported by all lovers of inclusive democracy and a pathway to strengthening governance in Nigeria,” he said.

The bill, according to him, seeks to establish a 30 per cent quota for youths under 35 years of age in both national and state legislatures, and is designed to complement existing reforms such as the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act.

He noted that while the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act had opened up political space for young aspirants by lowering age requirements for elective offices, more deliberate measures were still needed to translate eligibility into actual representation.