By Fatima Saka
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to sustain its technical support for Nigeria’s democratic governance and electoral integrity, as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Kalu made the appeal during a high-level meeting with FCDO officials led by Director General, Network, Christina Scott, in London, on the sidelines of his engagement at Chatham House.
He emphasised that continued UK support remains critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, noting that both countries share longstanding historical ties and a mutual commitment to constitutional democracy, accountability, and the rule of law.
The Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation for the UK government’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development, particularly in areas such as legislative strengthening, electoral reforms, civic participation, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding through institutional partners.
According to him, strong legislatures are central to resilient democracies, adding that sustained technical assistance in parliamentary capacity building, evidence-based policymaking, transparency, and citizen engagement has helped deepen Nigeria’s democratic process.
Kalu highlighted ongoing constitutional and electoral reform efforts, stressing that inclusive consultations and comparative learning are vital in addressing critical national issues, including federalism, devolution of powers, local governance, security architecture, and the representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
On electoral reforms, he noted that lessons from the 2023 general elections have informed recent legislative actions, including provisions in the 2026 Electoral Act, which formally recognise the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results.
He added that reforms have also clarified jurisdictional issues and timelines in pre-election litigation, aimed at reducing uncertainties and strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms.
Looking ahead, Kalu disclosed that the National Assembly is prioritising early finalisation of the legal and institutional framework for the 2027 elections to ensure effective voter education, training, procurement, and overall public confidence in the electoral process.
“Our objective is clear: elections that are peaceful, transparent, inclusive, technology-driven, and reflective of the genuine will of the Nigerian people,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker further underscored Nigeria’s strategic importance to regional stability, describing the country as a pillar of stability within West Africa and a key driver of democratic resilience across the continent.
He noted that Nigeria’s democratic success has far-reaching implications for regional peace, trade, migration, and security, urging sustained international support as an investment in both national and regional development.
READ ALSO: World Cassava Day: Expert advocates value addition
BAO2BAO: … and God answered! – (1)
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to constitutionalism and democratic consolidation, Kalu expressed optimism about deepening collaboration between the National Assembly and the FCDO.
“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,” he said.
About The Author
