Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to maintain its technical guidance regarding electoral standards and institutional reform. Kalu presented this request while meeting with FCDO Director-General Christina Scott in London.
Kalu highlighted the deep historical and commercial bonds between the two nations, emphasizing a shared dedication to constitutional rule. He specifically thanked the UK for its contributions to legislative development and civic engagement, mentioning the role of groups like the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in these efforts.
As head of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu noted that foreign technical assistance is vital for current legislative updates. These efforts target key areas such as federalism, the structure of security, and increased participation for women and youth. Additionally, he discussed the 2026 Electoral Act, which solidified the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic result reporting to improve transparency.
Looking toward the 2027 elections, Kalu affirmed that the National Assembly intends to finalize legal frameworks well in advance to ensure the polls are secure and representative of the public will. He concluded by labeling Nigeria a fundamental anchor for democratic stability within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and expressed a desire for a more robust partnership between the Nigerian legislature and the United Kingdom.
