Kalu seeks continued UK support for Nigeria’s democracy, electoral reforms

By Gift Chapi Odekina

ABUJA — Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to sustain its technical support for democratic governance, electoral integrity and institutional reforms in Nigeria.

Kalu made the appeal during a meeting with senior FCDO officials led by the Director-General, Network, Christina Scott, in London on the sidelines of his engagement at Chatham House.

He said Nigeria and the United Kingdom share enduring historical ties, strong people-to-people relations, commercial interests and a common commitment to constitutional democracy, accountable institutions and the rule of law.

The Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation to the UK Government and the FCDO for their continued partnership in strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.

“On behalf of the House of Representatives and the leadership of the National Assembly, I convey our sincere gratitude to the UK Government and the FCDO for their continued partnership.

“We appreciate your support for democratic governance, electoral integrity, legislative strengthening, civic participation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Nigeria through institutional partners such as the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC),” he said.

Kalu stressed that strong legislatures are essential to strong democracies, noting that the UK’s support for parliamentary capacity building, evidence-based policymaking, transparency, electoral reform and citizen participation has helped strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, he said sustained technical assistance, comparative learning and inclusive public consultations remain critical to ongoing constitutional reforms.

According to him, the review process is focused on addressing issues relating to inclusion, federalism, devolution of powers, local governance, security architecture and greater representation for women, young people and persons with disabilities.

Kalu also highlighted progress in Nigeria’s electoral reforms, particularly lessons drawn from the 2023 general elections and improvements introduced under the 2026 Electoral Act.

He said the Act has strengthened the country’s electoral legal framework by giving statutory recognition to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of election results while clarifying jurisdiction and timelines for pre-election litigation.

“Our partnership has contributed meaningfully to strengthening the legislative environment for democratic governance in Nigeria.

“The constitutional review process remains central to addressing questions of inclusion, federalism, devolution, electoral integrity, local governance, security architecture and the representation of women, young people and persons with disabilities.

“Recent electoral reform engagements have focused on lessons from the 2023 general elections, including the need for clearer electoral rules, improved use of technology, stronger dispute resolution mechanisms, greater inclusion and measures that deepen public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Deputy Speaker said the National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the legal and institutional framework for the polls is concluded early to facilitate voter education, training, procurement and effective implementation.

“Our objective is clear: elections that are peaceful, transparent, inclusive, technology-enabled and reflective of the genuine will of the Nigerian people,” he said.

Kalu also noted that Nigeria’s democratic stability extends beyond its borders, describing the country as a critical pillar of stability within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and a key anchor for democratic resilience across Africa.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional democracy, peaceful political competition and the rule of law, while expressing optimism for a stronger and more strategic partnership between the National Assembly and the FCDO.

“Nigeria remains firmly committed to democratic consolidation, constitutionalism, peaceful political competition and the rule of law.

“We value the United Kingdom as a trusted partner and look forward to a deeper, more strategic and more impactful relationship between the FCDO and the National Assembly.

“Together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s democratic institutions remain resilient, responsive and capable of delivering stability and opportunity for our people, our region and our continent,” Kalu said.

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