Civil Society Groups Urge Passage of Constitutional Bills

Civil society groups, including the Kaduna Civil Society Organizations and JDEV Partnership, have voiced their concerns regarding the prolonged delay in the passage of pending constitutional review bills by the 10th National Assembly. Zigwai Ayuba, Executive Director of JDEV, highlighted that the amendment process for the 1999 Constitution commenced in February 2024, yet no bills have been passed after two years.

The groups are particularly worried about the lack of progress on bills aimed at strengthening the electoral process, including those addressing security, police, local government, judiciary, and fiscal reforms. They specifically called for the passage of bills that seek to establish an electoral offenses commission, provide for independent candidacy, and create special seats for women in national and state assemblies.

Ayuba appealed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abba, and Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, to prioritize these bills to align with the 2026 Electoral Act.