Cynthia Rowe, head of development cooperation, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Nigeria, says the United Kingdom is ready to walk with Nigeria to ensure an amendment to its Electoral Act 2022.
Ms Rowe gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja at a one-day public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act No. 13, 2022 and Enact the Electoral Act 2025”.
The hearing was organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
Ms Rowe stated that the hearing was a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to its democratic processes and institutions.
She said: “And as your partner, the UK stands ready to walk this journey with Nigeria. We are really delighted to be supporting this important Nigerian-led effort to strengthen institutions and the ongoing constitutional review process.
“And as Nigerians say, and we have adopted this as one of our logos, if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.
“And this process is a demonstration of collaboration of the legislature, of INEC, of political parties, civil society, the media, citizens, all walking in the same direction.”
The UK envoy further said that the UK was looking forward to the successful completion of the process in good time for the next general elections.
She lauded the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters and the leadership of the National Assembly for their commitment to ensuring that the Electoral Bill 2025 reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.
According to her, public hearings give voice to citizens, allow ideas to be heard, and ensure that reforms are designed not just for the people, but with people.
“And this hearing goes beyond a legislative formality. It is a demonstration of trust in people’s ability to shape the rules that govern them.
“Nigeria’s democracy has travelled a long road over the years.
“It has weathered challenges, it’s adapted and it’s grown. Each election, each reform and each civic debate adds an additional layer of resilience to the nation’s democratic story,” she said.
Ms Rowe stressed that elections are the cornerstone of any democracy. They are the way that citizens express their will, hold their leaders to account and shape the future of their nation.
“The 2023 General Elections in Nigeria were a key moment in the country’s democratic history.
“They brought to the fore the strengths and innovations of the Nigerian electoral system and they highlighted significant lessons as well,” she said.
The envoy added that the United Kingdom is encouraged by the National Assembly’s commitment to implementing reforms.
She said: “These reforms were highlighted by the lessons of the previous polls and they open up the opportunity to deepen civic engagement and introduce innovation.
“As Nigeria prepares for its next electoral cycle, the decisions made in this room and by these institutions will have far-reaching implications and the issues are complex and consequential,” she said.
In his remarks, chairman of the Joint Committee, Sen. Simon Lalong, said that the event marked a critical step in the collective effort to strengthen Nigerian democratic institutions.
“Elections are the lifeblood of democracy and the legal framework that governs them must be robust, responsive and reflective of the realities of our time.
“This public hearing is a clear demonstration of the leadership of the National Assembly, as well as the Joint Committee, to open governance and citizen participation.
“It is our firm belief that laws that affect the generality of the people must be respected,” Mr Lalong said.
(NAN)