Deputy Speaker seeks sustained UK FCDO’s support for Nigeria’s democracy

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

Hon. Kalu gave the charge during a recent meeting with top officials of FCDO led by the Director General, Network, Christina Scott, in London, United Kingdom, on the sidelines of his engagement at the Chatham House.

He said Nigeria and the UK share deep historical ties, people-to-people connections, commercial interests, and a common commitment to constitutional democracy, accountable institutions, and the rule of law.

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The Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation to FCDO for its effort in deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.

He said: “Nigeria and the United Kingdom share deep historical ties, people-to-people connections, commercial interests and, importantly, a common commitment to constitutional democracy, accountable institutions and the rule of law.

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

“We appreciate your continued support for democratic governance, electoral integrity, legislative strengthening, civic participation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Nigeria through your institutional partners like Policy and Advocacy Center (PLAC).”

Hon. Kalu said strong legislatures are key to strong democracies, and that UK support for parliamentary capacity, evidence-based policymaking, transparency, electoral reform, and citizen participation strengthens the democratic compact between the Nigerian state and its people.

He noted that sustained technical support, comparative learning, and inclusive public consultation are critical to reforms on inclusion, federalism, devolution, local governance, security architecture, and representation of women, young people, and persons with disabilities.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted progress on electoral reform, including lessons from the 2023 elections and provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act, which he said statutorily recognises BVAS and electronic transmission of results, while also clarifying jurisdiction and timelines for pre-election litigation.

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

“As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, I can attest to the importance of sustained technical support, comparative learning, and inclusive public consultation in producing constitutional reforms
that reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.

“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.

“For Electoral Reform, recent 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.

“The 2026 Electoral Act has further strengthened the legal framework for the use of technology in elections, including the statutory recognition of BVAS and electronic transmission of results.

“Subsequent legislative action has also sought to reduce uncertainty in pre-election litigation by clarifying jurisdiction and timelines,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Hon. Kalu said the National Assembly is prioritising early settlement of the legal and institutional framework to enhance voter education, training, and public confidence.

He said the objective is elections that are peaceful, transparent, inclusive, technology-enabled, and reflective of the genuine will of the Nigerian people.

The Deputy Speaker added that Nigeria’s democratic stability has implications beyond its borders, describing a stable Nigeria as a pillar of stability for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and an anchor for democratic resilience across Africa.

He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, expressing hope for a deeper, more strategic, and more impactful relationship between the FCDO and the National Assembly.

“Nigeria’s democracy is not important only to Nigerians. It is important to West Africa, to the African continent, and to the wider international community.

“As Africa’s largest democracy and one of the continent’s largest economies, Nigeria’s stability has direct implications for regional peace, trade, migration, counterterrorism, democratic norms, and collective prosperity.

“A stable, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria will remain a pillar of stability for ECOWAS and an anchor for democratic resilience across Africa. Continued FCDO support for Nigeria is therefore an investment not only in Nigeria’s democratic future, but also in regional peace, security, and development.

“The 2027 general elections are already a major priority for the National Assembly, the electoral management body, political parties, civil society, and the Nigerian people.

“The National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the legal and institutional framework for the elections is settled early enough to enable effective implementation, voter education, procurement, training, and public confidence building.

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

“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,” Hon. Kalu said.