The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, have both called for an urgent review and amendment of the Nigerian Constitution to strengthen democracy, enhance national security, and grant autonomy to local governments.
The reforms proposed by the leaders will have the backing of NASS to ensure their implementation.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a consultative session with political party leaders, organised by the House Committee on Constitution Review, the leaders emphasised the necessity of a revised legal framework that actively supports and empowers Nigeria’s democratic system.
The leadership of NASS is essential in driving these reforms forward and reinforcing democratic principles.
Akpabio, represented by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, addressed the growing demand for state policing, clarifying that the move “should not be viewed as rebellion.”
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However, he urged caution to ensure that security efforts do not infringe upon civil liberties.
He identified several key constitutional issues under review as central to a functioning democracy, including: judicial and electoral reform, local government autonomy, women’s representation, state policing and human rights.
He stressed that compromised elections erode public trust and delayed justice undermines confidence in the legal system, calling for institutional reforms to strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and safeguard the judiciary from corruption.
He also emphasised that federalism must begin at the grassroots, requiring local governments to be financially and operationally autonomous, noting that a failure of governance at the village level equates to national failure.
On gender inclusion, Akpabio cited Rwanda and Finland, stating that democracies that exclude women are weaker.
However, Kalu expressed concern over the continued relevance of the 1999 Constitution, questioning if the democratic ideals envisioned 26 years ago have been fully realised and if the framework reflects Nigeria’s current realities.
While acknowledging achievements such as peaceful transitions and an independent judiciary, he warned that many Nigerians feel disconnected due to issues like women’s underrepresentation, the weak state of local governments, and prolonged electoral disputes.
Kalu stressed the urgent need for a revised Constitution that actively supports and empowers democracy.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), through its Chairman Yusuf Dantalle, presented its recommendations, which mirrored the leaders’ concerns on judicial reform, local government restructuring, state policing, increased women’s representation, and stronger human rights protection.
Additionally, IPAC advocated for the return of direct constitutional funding for political parties to promote fair electoral competition.
Despite the significance of the event, top leaders from major parties, including the APC, PDP, ADC, and Labour Party (LP), were noted to be absent, though their women leaders were present.
In a separate political activity, Kalu rallied members of the “Renewed Hope Partners” (RHP), a pro-Tinubu support group he formed, in Umuahia, Abia State.
He declared the APC’s determination to take control of Abia State from the LP in the 2027 general election through the ballot box, aiming to integrate the state into mainstream national politics.
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The rally occurred shortly after President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had praised Governor Alex Otti for his achievements, calling him a “miracle worker.”
Kalu contested this tag, asserting that the title rightly belonged to Tinubu for ending the fuel subsidy and releasing the funds to the states.
