Position Paper on the 2025 Constitutional Review

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By Abdullahi Lawal Bungudu,

Executive Director, Health Standard Concern (HESCO).


As Nigeria approaches a defining moment in its constitutional evolution, it is vital that the 2025 Constitutional Review reflects the aspirations of the people and promotes justice, equity, and effective governance. The following recommendations are hereby submitted as priority areas for consideration:


1. Guarantee Women’s Inclusion in Governance.

The Constitution should include explicit provisions mandating a minimum of 35% affirmative action for women in both elective and appointive offices. No nation can attain inclusive growth while marginalizing half of its population. Institutionalizing gender equity in governance is not only a matter of fairness but a constitutional and developmental necessity.


2. Full Autonomy for Local Governments.

The Constitution must guarantee full financial and administrative autonomy for local governments. As the tier of government closest to the people, local governments are critical for grassroots development and service delivery. State interference in local government funds and operations undermines accountability and must be constitutionally prohibited.


3. Constitutional Investment in Agriculture

Agriculture should be recognized as a national economic priority within the Constitution. A provision mandating a minimum of 10% annual budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector at both federal and state levels should be included. Support for smallholder farmers, mechanized agriculture, and agro-industrial development is essential for food security, job creation, and economic diversification.


4. Sanctions for Political Party Defections

The Constitution should explicitly prohibit elected officials from defecting from the political party under which they were elected, except under constitutionally justifiable circumstances (e.g., party merger or verified internal crisis). Any violation should result in automatic forfeiture of office. This will enhance political stability, party discipline, and public trust in the democratic process.


5. Autonomy and Internal Democracy for Political Parties

Political parties must be constitutionally assured of autonomy and protected from undue interference by incumbent governments. The law should require parties to practice internal democracy, conduct transparent primaries, and maintain inclusive leadership structures. This is crucial for restoring public confidence and ensuring the emergence of credible candidates.


6. Non-Political Appointment of INEC Leadership.

To safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, the appointment of the INEC Chairman and National Commissioners must be depoliticized. A neutral, multi-sectoral selection committee—comprising representatives from the judiciary, civil society, academia, and professional bodies—should oversee their nomination and confirmation. An independent electoral umpire is vital for credible elections and democratic consolidation.


Conclusion

These constitutional reforms are necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, promote good governance, and ensure inclusive national development. I call on the National Assembly and all relevant stakeholders in the constitutional review process to adopt these proposals as part of the 2025 reform agenda for a better, more equitable Nigeria.

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