The deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has advocated for stronger institutions to enhance democratic governance in Nigeria.

Mr Kalu, who doubles as the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, said this at the committee’s consultation meeting with political parties in Abuja on Monday.

He said the country needs stronger institutions that would not only permit democracy but also actively enable it.

“The constitution is not just a legal document but a social contract that must restore confidence and protect the people at all times, so we need strong institutions that do not permit democracy but actively enable it,” Mr Kalu said.

The deputy speaker, while recalling Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, said it had been 26 years of uninterrupted democracy with inherent constitutional lapses.

He noted that women remained largely underrepresented, with multiple post-election litigations that undermined confidence in the nation’s democracy.

The deputy speaker, therefore, urged political parties to make meaningful contributions towards the framing of a more acceptable constitution for national stability.

Similarly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the House for its efforts in reforming the country’s constitution.

Mr Akpabio, represented by the Senate chief whip, Mohammed Monguno, described the gathering as not just historic but a demonstration of the National Assembly’s commitment to true democracy.

The Senate president called for the strengthening of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that it was imperative to restore citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.

He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to true federalism, which he said must begin at the grassroots level.

Mr Akpabio reiterated the call for the inclusion of women in political participation, saying, “Any nation that sidelines its women weakens itself.”

In the same vein, the chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), Yusuf Dantalle, called for the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECS), which he accused of conducting ”charades”.

Mr Dantalle, represented by his deputy, Dipo Olayakan, said IPAC had been at the forefront of advocacy for constitutional reforms.

He also called for state policing, which, according to him, is crucial in strengthening national security from the grassroots.

He further advocated for the creation of an Independent Appointment Committee (IAC) to be responsible for appointing the INEC chairman and commissioners.

According to him, this will guarantee the independence of the electoral commission.

The president of the National Women’s Group of political parties in Nigeria, Darisma Ibrahim, described the dialogue as more than a meeting but a call to action.

Ms Ibrahim urged all to seize the opportunity to build consensus for a just society where women are well-represented.

(NAN)