The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, Mr Benjamin Kalu, has stated that Nigeria is currently experiencing its most democratic era yet.
He was speaking at the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review Consultation with Leaders of Political Parties, in Abuja.
He said that the political parties are not just participants in democracy, but its backbone.
“You recruit candidates. You mobilise voters. You articulate competing visions for our nation’s future. You are the bridge between government and the governed.
If constitutional amendments are to be legitimate, they must have your buy-in. If they are to be effective, they must address the challenges you face on the ground. And if they are to endure, they must reflect a broad consensus that transcends party lines.
This is why we have invited you here today: not as adversaries, but as partners in nation-building”. Mr Kalu said.
He said that the committee has conducted zonal public hearings across all six geopolitical zones, gathering memoranda from thousands of Nigerians. But this process cannot be completed without you.
He said that before the committee are critical amendment bills that will define the trajectory of Nigerian democracy for the next generation.
“Bills that seek to guarantee women’s representation in our legislative houses, ensuring that no Nigerian is excluded from decision-making because of their gender.
Bills that seek to grant financial autonomy to local governments, so that the councillors and chairman elected by your community can deliver services without waiting for handouts from Abuja.
Bills that seek to streamline our electoral process, reducing the endless litigation that undermines the will of the people.
“These are not abstract legal propositions. These are reforms that go to the heart of what it means to be a democracy. And they require your input.
We recognise that your parties represent diverse ideologies and constituencies. You will not agree on everything. That is the beauty of democracy. But I am asking you today to focus on what unites us, not what divides us. We all want a Nigeria where elections are free, fair, and credible.
We all want a Nigeria where women have an equal seat at the table. We all want a Nigeria where local governments work, where federalism is real, and where our Constitution commands the respect and allegiance of every citizen.
These are not partisan issues. These are Nigerian issues. The world is changing. So must we. In the last twenty-six years, Nigeria’s democracy has relied on the goodwill of a few committed leaders to survive. But goodwill alone is not enough. We need strong institutions.
We need clear rules. We need a Constitution that does not just permit democracy, but actively enables it. This is our moment to get it right. The Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure this process is inclusive. We have consulted widely. We have listened carefully. But the final word does not rest with us alone”, he said.
The Deputy Speaker also said that under the Nigerian Constitution, any amendment must secure a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and the approval of at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly.
“This means that the amendments we are proposing will only become law if they command broad, cross-party support. And that begins here, in this room, with you. So I am asking you today: engage with us. Study the bills before you. Consult with your party structures.
Bring us your concerns, your suggestions, and your ideas. This is not the end of the conversation; it is the beginning. Because a Constitution is not just a legal document. It is a social contract. It is a promise we make to each other about the kind of country we want to build.
The promise must be one we all believe in. Distinguished leaders, our values do not change. Nigeria will remain a democracy. But to sustain our democracy in a changing world, we must change the way it operates. We must give women their rightful place in governance.
We must empower local governments to serve their people. We must make our elections credible and our courts efficient. This is the work before us. And it is work we cannot do without you”, he assured the party leaders.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Mr Yusuf Dantalle, who was represented by Mr Dipo Olayoku, said that IPAC believes Nigeria would get a truly people’s constitution.
He said that on behalf of the leaders of Political Parties, he commends the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, for organising the crucial consultative meeting.
He noted that the party will, among others, deliberate and come up with recommendations or proposals for Judicial and Electoral Reforms, Local Government Reforms, Special Seats for Women, State Policing and Human Rights and Justice.
“They are part of broader issues for consideration in the ongoing Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments.
“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC has been at the vanguard for Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments with a view to consolidating, deepening and strengthening the nation’s democracy. This is imperative after flaws were witnessed in each election cycle.
As the platform that produces all elected public officers, IPAC is committed to ensuring that the electoral process is fair, transparent and inclusive, and all political parties are given a level playing field in electoral contests.
” We believe that a revised Electoral Act and Constitution amendments preceding the 2027 general election will
address identified concerns as well as significantly enhance the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, promote political stability and strengthen democratic governance”, he said.
He lists some of the amendments
proposed to the 1999 constitution by IPAC to include:
” i. Scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and vesting the responsibility of conducting all 774 Local Government Areas elections on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). IPAC has been championing Local Government autonomy. Politics is local; citizens should be encouraged to actively participate in grassroots politics that
guarantees free, fair and credible Local Government
election.
ii. The removal of the power to appoint the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Commission Secretary and National Commissioners from the executive to promote the independence of the Commission. Setting up of an Independent Appointment Committee (IAC) composed of representatives from all registered Political Parties and Civil Society Organisations, the National Judicial Council, and a Committee of the National Assembly to be appointed by both the majority and minority arms of the Senate and House of
Representatives, thereby ensuring that all parties have representatives in the Independent Appointment.
Committee.
iii. Restoration of funding of political parties in Nigeria to provide a level playing ground for all political parties.
The amendment should provide a mechanism to ensure that political parties maintain transparent financial records and accounting practices.
He said that IPAC supports the bill as proposed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as when a section of society is under-represented in policy discussions, they feel marginalised.
They also called for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to try electoral offenders.
On her part, the president of the National Women Leaders Forum of Political Parties, Mrs.
Amina Graham said that the meeting was a call to action.
She urged participants to make proper use of the forum.