By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has urged the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to sustain its technical support for democratic governance and electoral reforms in Nigeria as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Kalu made the appeal during a meeting with senior officials of the FCDO led by its Director General, Network, Christina Scott, in London on the sidelines of his engagement at Chatham House.
The Deputy Speaker said Nigeria and the United Kingdom share longstanding historical ties, strong people-to-people relations, commercial interests and a common commitment to constitutional democracy, accountable institutions and the rule of law the statement signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives said.
He expressed appreciation to the UK Government and the FCDO for their continued partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly through support for electoral integrity, legislative development, civic participation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
According to him, the FCDO’s collaboration with institutional partners such as the Policy and Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has contributed significantly to improving democratic governance in the country.
Kalu stressed that strong legislatures remain the foundation of vibrant democracies, noting that continued UK support for parliamentary capacity building, evidence-based policymaking, transparency, electoral reforms and citizen participation would further strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the ongoing constitutional review process is focused on addressing critical national issues, including inclusion, federalism, devolution of powers, electoral integrity, local governance, security architecture, and increased representation of women, youths and persons with disabilities.
On electoral reforms, Kalu highlighted lessons from the 2023 general elections, saying they informed the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act, which he noted has strengthened Nigeria’s electoral framework through statutory recognition of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of election results.
He added that subsequent legislative amendments have also clarified jurisdiction and timelines for pre-election litigation, thereby reducing legal uncertainties surrounding the electoral process.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the Deputy Speaker said the National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the legal and institutional framework is concluded early enough to facilitate effective voter education, procurement, training and public confidence.
“Our objective is clear: elections that are peaceful, transparent, inclusive, technology-enabled and reflective of the genuine will of the Nigerian people,” he stated.
Kalu further emphasised that Nigeria’s democratic stability extends beyond its borders, describing the country as a critical pillar of peace and stability within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and across the African continent.
He noted that Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest democracy and one of its biggest economies makes its political stability essential for regional peace, trade, migration, counter-terrorism efforts and democratic resilience.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to constitutionalism, peaceful political competition and the rule of law, Kalu expressed optimism about a deeper and more strategic partnership between the National Assembly and the FCDO.
He maintained that continued UK support would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democratic future but also contribute to regional peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa.
