Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has emphasized the need for a constitution that not only permits democracy but actively strengthens it.
Kalu made the call on Monday during a consultative session with national chairmen, secretaries, and women leaders of registered political parties in Abuja.
Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu acknowledged that Nigeria has made significant democratic progress since 1999 but stressed that more must be done to make democracy work in practice, not just on paper.
“We need a constitution that does not just permit democracy, but actively enables it. These reforms go to the heart of what it means to be a democracy — and they require your input,” he said.
He urged political party leaders to review and contribute to the bills before the committee, noting that the proposed amendments aim to streamline the electoral process, reduce litigations, and strengthen democratic institutions.
The 10th National Assembly, under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is currently reviewing key sections of the 1999 Constitution to deepen governance and make democracy more effective for Nigerians.
Kalu also revealed that the committee has embarked on a nationwide consultation tour across the six geopolitical zones, engaging stakeholders on critical areas such as power devolution, local government autonomy, state police, independent candidacy, and special seats for women.
He assured that the committee would present the final draft of the reviewed constitution to the National Assembly for consideration and adoption by December 2025.
