BREAKING: UK to Partner With Nigeria on Electoral Act Amendment

• The UK says it is ready to work with Nigeria on amending the Electoral Act 2022 to strengthen democratic processes.

• FCDO official Cynthia Rowe assured support during a public hearing in Abuja, praising Nigeria’s commitment to electoral reform and inclusive governance.

The United Kingdom has expressed readiness to work with Nigeria in reviewing and amending the country’s Electoral Act 2022 to strengthen its democratic institutions.

Head of Development Cooperation at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Cynthia Rowe, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act No. 13, 2022 and Enact the Electoral Act 2025.”

The event, organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, was attended by lawmakers, civil society groups, and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The UK stands ready to walk this journey with Nigeria,” Ms Rowe said. “We are delighted to support this important, Nigerian-led effort to strengthen democratic institutions and the ongoing constitutional review process.”

She commended Nigeria’s inclusive approach to the reform process, noting that collaboration among the legislature, INEC, political parties, civil society, and the media was key to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral framework.

Ms Rowe emphasized that public hearings were crucial for giving citizens a voice in shaping reforms that affect them.

“This hearing is not just a legislative formality — it is a demonstration of trust in people’s ability to shape the rules that govern them,” she added.

DON’T MISS: BREAKING: National Assembly Lawyers Ask Senate to Disqualify Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman

She highlighted lessons from the 2023 General Elections, acknowledging both progress and challenges, and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s next electoral cycle through institutional collaboration and technical assistance.

Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Simon Lalong, said the proposed Electoral Act 2025 marks a crucial step toward modernizing Nigeria’s electoral laws.

“Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the legal framework that governs them must be robust, responsive, and reflective of our realities,” Lalong stated.

He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to open governance and citizen participation in shaping policies that affect the general public.