Deputy Speaker Kalu Seeks Sustained UK Support for Nigeria's Democratic Reforms, 2027 Electoral Integrity

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has called on the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to sustain its technical and institutional support for democratic governance and electoral integrity in Nigeria.

Kalu made the appeal during a meeting with senior FCDO officials led by the Director General, Network, Christina Scott, in London on the sidelines of his engagement at Chatham House.

He noted that Nigeria and the United Kingdom share enduring historical ties, strong people-to-people relations, commercial interests and a common commitment to constitutional democracy, accountable institutions and the rule of law.

Expressing appreciation for the UK's longstanding partnership with Nigeria, the Deputy Speaker commended the FCDO's support for democratic governance, electoral integrity, legislative strengthening, civic participation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding through institutions such as the Policy and Advocacy Centre (PLAC).

Kalu stressed that strong legislatures are essential to sustaining democratic governance, adding that UK support for parliamentary capacity building, evidence-based policymaking, transparency, electoral reform and citizen participation has significantly strengthened Nigeria's democratic institutions.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, he said the ongoing constitutional amendment process remains critical to addressing issues of inclusion, federalism, devolution of powers, local governance, security architecture and improved representation of women, youths and persons with disabilities.

On electoral reforms, Kalu highlighted lessons from the 2023 general elections, noting that the 2026 Electoral Act has strengthened the legal framework by providing statutory recognition for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of election results, while also clarifying jurisdiction and timelines for pre-election litigation.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he said the National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the legal and institutional framework is concluded early to facilitate 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 said.

Kalu also emphasized that Nigeria's democratic stability extends beyond its borders, describing the country as a pillar of stability within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and a key anchor for democratic resilience across Africa.

He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to constitutionalism, peaceful political competition and the rule of law, while expressing optimism for a deeper and more strategic partnership between the National Assembly and the FCDO in strengthening democratic institutions for the benefit of Nigeria, the region and the African continent.