Exponent News Akure
House of Reps Passes Landmark 39 Constitutional Amendment Bills, Paving Way for Sweeping Reforms
By Exponent News, Akure – June 5, 2025
In what is being described as a historic moment in Nigeria’s legislative history, the House of Representatives on Wednesday passed 39 constitutional amendment bills aimed at transforming key aspects of governance, electoral processes, and political accountability across the country.
The wide-ranging amendments include provisions for holding all general elections on the same date, establishing state and local government police, and creating a House of Assembly for the Federal Capital Territory. Other critical reforms address electoral justice, party politics, and inclusion for marginalized groups.
Among the most significant changes are:
The simultaneous conduct of presidential, governorship, and legislative elections, streamlining the country’s electoral calendar.
The creation of state and local government police, signaling a major shift toward decentralizing security operations.
The vesting of powers in INEC to conduct local government elections, a move designed to enhance the credibility of grassroots democracy.
A bill compelling resignation from political party executive roles before contesting elective offices, aimed at curbing conflicts of interest.
The establishment of special seats for persons with disabilities and interest groups in legislative houses, promoting inclusion and representation.
Also passed were bills that would:
Allow the Court of Appeal to serve as the final arbiter in election petition appeals.
Establish a National Local Government Electoral Commission to independently oversee council elections nationwide.
Strengthen the powers and financial autonomy of the Auditor-General of the Federation and States, bolstering public sector accountability.
Empower the Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission to monitor party activities.
Expand the Supreme Court bench to ensure faster judicial processes and uphold federal character principles.
These amendments now await concurrence from the Senate and approval by two-thirds of state legislatures, as required by the constitutional amendment process.
Analysts say this unprecedented wave of legislative reforms, if fully ratified, could usher in a new era of democratic governance, transparency, and security structure in Nigeria.
