As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, the push for meaningful electoral reforms has gained serious momentum. On Thursday, 30 October 2025, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) brought together civil society leaders, election experts, and advocates in Abuja for a crucial one-day strategy session titled “Civil Society Meeting on Electoral Reform”. Funded by the European Union under the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria the event aimed to align CSO priorities, review ongoing legislative changes, and map out targeted advocacy to influence the National Assembly before key players before key bills are finalized.
Held at the Envoy Hotel from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the meeting drew a focused group of participants eager to address lingering gaps from the Electoral Act 2022 and the 2023 polls.
- Opening remarks — Delivered by Nkiru Uzodi (PLAC’s Programme Manager for Gender and Legislative Issues) on behalf of Executive Director Clement Nwankwo.
- Barr. Festus Okoye (former INEC National Commissioner) gave an in-depth update on the status of major reform proposals inside the Electoral Bill 2025 and the ongoing Constitution amendment process.
- Prof. Nkwachukwu Orji (University of Nigeria, Nsukka) led a lively session unpacking civil society’s core demands and realistic priorities given the tight legislative timeline.
- The afternoon wrapped with a strategy huddle facilitated by Agianpe Akpodiogaga Onyema (PLAC Elections Programme Manager and Coordinator of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room), where attendees hammered out concrete next steps for advocacy as the National Assembly pushes to conclude its reviews.
The atmosphere was one of urgency and collaboration — everyone in the room knows that with the 10th Assembly signaling intent to fast-track electoral matters, civil society must speak with one strong, coordinated voice to ensure reforms like independent INEC appointments, mandatory electronic transmission of results, greater inclusion for women and youth, and timelier resolution of election petitions actually make it into law.
