Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s constitution to enhance women’s participation in politics and strengthen democratic institutions. Speaking through Senator Tahir Monguno, the Senate Chief Whip, at a consultative session with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja on Monday, Akpabio outlined a vision for reforms targeting justice, security, inclusion, and accountability.
The session, attended by national chairmen, secretaries, and women leaders of political parties, focused on critical issues including judicial and electoral reforms, local government autonomy, special parliamentary seats for women, state policing, and human rights. “These are not mere checklist items; they are the pillars of a nation still under construction,” Akpabio said, emphasizing that democracy must not only endure but deliver tangible results.
Highlighting the importance of credible elections, Akpabio described them as “the soul of democracy” and justice as “the backbone of peace.” He called for strengthening the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and shielding courts from corruption to restore public trust. Citing global examples, he noted India’s accessible voting systems and South Africa’s constitutionally protected judicial independence, urging Nigeria to “perfect ourselves” rather than emulate others blindly.
On women’s inclusion, Akpabio stressed that sidelining women weakens democracy. He pointed to Rwanda, where women hold over 60% of parliamentary seats, and Finland, where women shape governance with distinction. “Where women rise, nations thrive. It is time for Nigeria to move from sympathy to a policy of inclusion,” he said, advocating for constitutional amendments to create special seats for women.
Akpabio also championed local government autonomy, stating, “True federalism begins at the grassroots. If the government fails in the village, it fails in the capital.” He called for freeing local governments from dependency to ensure development reaches every ward and community.
On security, he endorsed state policing as a pragmatic solution for Nigeria’s vast terrain, citing models in the United States, India, and Brazil where local and national forces work in tandem. However, he cautioned that security measures must not infringe on citizens’ freedoms, warning, “The hand that guards must not gag.”
In a related contribution, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), represented by Deputy National Chairman Dipo Olayoku, reaffirmed its commitment to a fair and transparent electoral process. IPAC called for amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, to address flaws observed in previous election cycles and enhance the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
IPAC proposed several reforms, including scrapping State Independent Electoral Commissions and transferring local government election responsibilities to INEC. It also advocated removing the executive’s power to appoint INEC’s leadership, suggesting an Independent Appointment Committee comprising representatives from political parties, civil society, the National Judicial Council, and the National Assembly. Additionally, IPAC urged restoring public funding for political parties to ensure a level playing field and mandating transparent financial records.
On vacant seats due to defection or death, IPAC recommended that the original winning party replace the occupant through a streamlined process, avoiding costly by-elections.
The consultative session underscores growing momentum for constitutional and electoral reforms as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, with stakeholders emphasizing inclusion, transparency, and institutional independence as cornerstones of democratic progress.
