CATYCOI to Youth: Use Electoral Reforms to Drive Change
Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI) has urged South-East youth to leverage the amended Electoral Act to build a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
CATYCOI’s Executive Director, Comrade Nonso Orakwe, made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Enugu State on Thursday.
He said, “The amended Electoral Act presents a unique opportunity for young people to drive change.
“We must leverage these reforms to build a more inclusive and participatory democracy. This is a moment for young people to shape the future of our country and ensure that our democracy serves the needs of all Nigerians.”
Orakwe encouraged South-East youth to take advantage of the new electoral reforms to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance, adding that they must ensure their voices are heard and their votes count.
CATYCOI also highlighted new voter registration requirements under the amended Electoral Act. According to him, citizens must now present valid identification—such as a birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission, a Nigerian passport, or a National Identification Number (NIN),to register as voters. He called on youths to share this information within their communities to ensure broader compliance.
The organization noted that it is utilizing multiple outreach channels to engage citizens, including jingles, radio programmes, and other community-based platforms, to ensure widespread awareness and participation.
As a South-East partner on YERP-NAIJA, the group reaffirmed its commitment to advancing youth-led electoral reforms and strengthening democratic participation across the region.
It also called on South-East youth to actively participate in all stages of the 2027 general elections—from voter registration and civic education to voting and election observation.
“The future of our democracy depends on the active involvement of young people. This is our opportunity to shape a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive electoral system,” Orakwe added.
