The proposed amendments reflect a conscious effort to align Nigeria’s governance structure with international democratic norms—promoting transparent elections, inclusive representation, institutional independence, and decentralized security.
1. Electoral Reform in Line with Global Standards
A cornerstone of the proposed changes is the bill mandating that all general elections—Presidential, Gubernatorial, National Assembly, State Assembly, and Local Government—be conducted on the same day. This mirrors practices in advanced democracies such as Brazil and South Africa, where synchronized elections reduce voter fatigue, cut costs, and encourage higher participation.
Equally notable is the proposal to ensure that all election disputes are resolved before winners take office, promoting electoral legitimacy and reducing post-election violence—a principle upheld by electoral bodies like the Electoral Commission of India and the U.S. Federal Election Commission.
Another reform would empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections, stripping state electoral bodies of that power. This is a direct response to widespread concerns over state manipulation of local elections and moves Nigeria closer to international expectations of independent and impartial electoral management at all levels.
2. Decentralized Security: A Global Norm
In recognition of regional security complexities, the House has proposed a bill to establish State and Local Government Police Forces. Federal democracies like the United States, Canada, and Germany operate multi-tiered policing systems, enabling faster response and community-based law enforcement.
Nigeria's current centralized policing model has been widely criticized for inefficiency and lack of local intelligence. This bill seeks to address that gap and improve accountability by giving states control over internal security.
3. Inclusion and Equal Representation
Nigeria’s reform drive also prioritizes inclusivity—hallmark of any functioning democracy. Proposed amendments include:
Special seats for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in national, state, and local legislatures.
Six reserved seats in the House of Representatives for special interest groups, including women, youth, and minority communities.
These measures reflect commitments made under international conventions such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and align with global targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5: Gender Equality & SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).
4. Strengthening Institutions of Accountability and Justice
The reforms also aim to reinforce institutional autonomy, transparency, and efficiency:
The Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation would be renamed and granted full financial autonomy, enhancing its ability to independently audit government expenditures—mirroring audit standards set by international bodies like INTOSAI (International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions).
The Supreme Court would see an increase in justices, while the Court of Appeal would become the final arbiter in legislative and gubernatorial election disputes—improving judicial efficiency and aligning with practices in countries like India and South Africa.
5. Modernizing Political Party Regulation
To enhance political accountability, the bills propose:
The creation of a Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission, tasked with overseeing party operations, financial disclosures, and internal democracy.
Mandatory resignation from political office for party officials seeking elective posts—addressing conflicts of interest and aligning with the ethical standards of party politics observed in countries like the UK and Canada.
Towards a 21st Century Democracy
Collectively, these constitutional amendment bills represent Nigeria’s most deliberate effort yet to modernize its democratic framework and meet international standards of governance. If adopted, they will not only improve transparency and representation but also deepen public trust in democratic institutions.
However, the path ahead will require Senate concurrence, approval by at least 24 state houses of assembly, and robust civic engagement to ensure the reforms are inclusive, credible, and sustainable.
As Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic evolution, these proposed reforms could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one where governance is not only for the people but increasingly by the people, and in line with global democratic ideals.
NOTE: The 39 constitutional amendment bills are: A bill for General Elections to the Office of the President, State Governors, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Area Councils shall be conducted simultaneously on the same date.
A bill for the Establishment of State Police and Local Government Police.
A bill to Establish the FCT House of Assembly.
Court of Appeal the Final Appeal Court in Governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions.
A bill to Provide for Compulsory Resignation of National and State Executive Members of Political Parties Seeking Elective Government Positions.
A bill to Provide for the Determination of All Appeals Arising from Election Petition Tribunals Prior to Swearing-in of President-Elect, Vice-President-Elect, Governor-Elect, Deputy Governor-Elect, Members-Elect of the National and State Assembles.
A bill to Vest the INEC with the Power to Conduct Local Government Area Council Elections.
A bill to Require the Official Resignation from Political Party before Defection by Members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly.
A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to grant the National Assembly Power to Alter Timelines for Election Tribunals.
A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish the National Local Government Electoral Commission as an Independent Body Responsible for Organising, Conducting, and Supervising Elections into the Offices of Chairmen and Councilors of all the Local Governments Across the Federation, Including the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, ensure the Credibility, Transparency, and Fairness of Local Government Elections and Promote Democratic Governance at the Grassroots Level.
A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to relieve the State Independent Electoral Commissions of the powers to conduct Local Government Council elections and bestow same on the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered) to Provide for Special Seats for the Physically Challenged Persons in Nigeria's Federal, State and Local Government Areas, and Legislative Houses.
A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as (amended) to provide for Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups in the House of Representatives.
A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Change the Name of the Auditor-General of the Federation to Auditor-General of the Federal Government.
A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Remove the Restriction Placed on Power and Duties of the Auditor-General of the Federation and States by Sections 85(2) and 125(2) Respectively and to Insert New Sections in the Constitution that Shall Provide for the Financial Autonomy of the Offices of the Auditor-General of the Federation and of the States.
A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to strengthen the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and the Auditor-General of a State.
A Bill to Establish and Empower the Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission to Register, Regulate, and Monitor the Organization and Operation of Political Parties.
A Bill to Expand the Number of Justices of the Supreme Court, enhance Service efficiency and timely dispensation of Justices, Improve Citizens' Access to Justice and Conform with Federal Character Principles, among others.
