Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says the country needs a constitution that can fully support and strengthen its democratic system.
Mr Kalu made the remarks on Monday during a consultative session with national chairmen, secretaries, and women leaders of registered political parties in Abuja.
As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, he told participants that although Nigeria has made significant progress since returning to democracy in 1999, more work is needed to ensure that democracy benefits all Nigerians in practice, not just in theory.
The 10th National Assembly, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is currently working with the Senate to review sections of the 1999 Constitution with the aim of improving governance and deepening democratic values.
Key areas under consideration include power devolution, independent candidacy, local government autonomy, the creation of state police, and special seats for women.
Mr Kalu explained that the committee had recently completed a nationwide tour across the six geopolitical zones to gather input from stakeholders. The revised draft constitution is expected to be presented to parliament for consideration and adoption in December 2025.
In his address, Mr Kalu urged political party leaders to carefully study the proposed amendments and contribute their ideas to make the review process inclusive and effective.
“We need a constitution that does not just permit democracy but actively enables it,” he said. “These are not abstract legal proposals. These reforms go to the heart of what it means to be a democracy, and they require your input.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, he described it as a period of “great expectation” after years of military rule. He noted that since then, Nigeria has conducted seven general elections, experienced peaceful transfers of power between political parties, and maintained an active civil society, free press, and largely independent judiciary.
Despite these gains, Mr Kalu said the 1999 Constitution still has significant gaps. He highlighted issues such as women’s underrepresentation in politics, weak local government structures, and prolonged electoral disputes that undermine public trust.
“Too many Nigerians feel left behind,” he said. “Our local governments remain weak and financially dependent. The cooperative democracy we imagined 26 years ago has not fully materialised.”
Mr Kalu urged all political stakeholders to carefully review the proposed constitutional amendments and provide constructive feedback to ensure the reforms strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Also present at the event were the Deputy National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dipo Olayoku; House Majority Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere; and women leaders from various political parties.