A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has issued a strong appeal to the National Assembly, urging it to finalise the 2025 Constitution Review process without any further postponement. The groups expressed serious concern over a recent decision by the House of Representatives to delay the consideration of a crucial report containing 44 proposed amendments.
Mounting Pressure Over Critical Reforms
The CSOs argue that Nigeria is in a precarious state and cannot tolerate additional uncertainty regarding reforms they deem fundamental. They emphasise that these 44 critical amendments address the core challenges facing ordinary Nigerians. The proposed changes are directly linked to creating safer communities, empowering local governments, ensuring credible elections, strengthening the judiciary, and fostering a more accountable government.
The organisations highlighted that citizens from all six geopolitical zones have demonstrated remarkable commitment to the process. They participated actively through written submissions, public hearings, and various consultations, thereby fulfilling their civic duty. The CSOs now insist that it is time for the lawmakers to reciprocate by delivering on their constitutional mandate.
The High Cost of Delay: Security and Democracy at Stake
While acknowledging that legislative scrutiny is essential, the CSOs warn that protracted delays are dangerous. They point to a worsening security situation across the nation, the apparent failure of local government structures, and a steady decline in voter confidence. This erosion of democratic legitimacy, they contend, makes swift action imperative.
A particular point of urgency is electoral reform. With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having already published its timetable and political party primaries scheduled to conclude by July 2026, any further hesitation could be catastrophic. The CSOs fear that missing the current window will lock the country into another election cycle plagued by the flaws the reforms seek to address.
A Call for Leadership Before 2027
The collective message from the Civil Society Organisations is clear: these reforms are not merely important; they are urgent, overdue, and vital for national stability. They are calling on the National Assembly to demonstrate decisive leadership by concluding the 2025 Constitution Review before the end of this year.
Every day of delay, they assert, further weakens the already fragile public trust in democratic institutions. Conversely, conclusive and timely action has the power to strengthen Nigeria's democracy and steady the nation as it approaches the pivotal 2027 general elections. The CSOs have vowed to continue mobilising citizens, engaging directly with lawmakers, and holding all institutions accountable until meaningful constitutional reform is achieved.
