Kalu Calls for Ongoing UK Support for Nigeria’s Democracy and Electoral Reforms

By Gift Chapi Odekina

ABUJA — Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urged the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to continue its technical assistance for democratic governance, electoral integrity and institutional reforms in Nigeria.

He made the appeal during a meeting with senior FCDO officials, headed by Director‑General for Network, Christina Scott, in London, while Kalu was also attending a session at Chatham House.

Kalu noted that Nigeria and the United Kingdom share long‑standing historical ties, robust people‑to‑people connections, commercial interests, and a shared commitment to constitutional democracy, accountable institutions and the rule of law.

The Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation to the UK Government and the FCDO for their continued partnership in strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.

“On behalf of the House of Representatives and the leadership of the National Assembly, I convey our sincere gratitude to the UK Government and the FCDO for their continued partnership.”

“We appreciate your support for democratic governance, electoral integrity, legislative strengthening, civic participation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Nigeria through institutional partners such as the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).”

Kalu stressed that strong legislatures are essential to strong democracies, noting that the UK’s support for parliamentary capacity building, evidence‑based policymaking, transparency, electoral reform and citizen participation has helped strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, he said sustained technical assistance, comparative learning and inclusive public consultations remain critical to ongoing constitutional reforms.

According to him, the review process is focused on addressing issues relating to inclusion, federalism, devolution of powers, local governance, security architecture and