UK Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Electoral Reforms, Says ‘We’re Ready to Walk This Journey Together’ — Rowe

The United Kingdom has reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria in strengthening its democratic institutions through the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act 2022.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja at a public hearing organized by the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, the Head of Development Cooperation at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Cynthia Rowe, lauded Nigeria’s continued efforts to improve its electoral system.

The hearing — themed “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act No. 13, 2022 and Enact the Electoral Act 2025” — brought together lawmakers, INEC officials, civil society groups, and international partners to deliberate on reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Rowe praised the initiative as a homegrown effort to strengthen democracy, pledging the UK’s partnership in the process.

“As your partner, the UK stands ready to walk this journey with Nigeria,” she said. “We are really delighted to be supporting this important Nigerian-led effort to strengthen institutions and the ongoing constitutional review process.”

Quoting a popular Nigerian saying, Rowe added:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. This process is a demonstration of collaboration among the legislature, INEC, political parties, civil society, the media, and citizens — all walking in the same direction.”

She commended the National Assembly for ensuring transparency and inclusivity in the reform process.

“Public hearings give voice to citizens. They ensure that reforms are designed not just for the people, but with the people,” she noted.

Rowe described Nigeria’s democracy as resilient, saying each election cycle had strengthened civic participation and institutional learning.

“The 2023 general elections were a key moment in Nigeria’s democratic history. They revealed both strengths and lessons within the system,” she said. “The National Assembly’s resolve to build on these lessons offers a real opportunity to deepen democracy and introduce innovations.”

She highlighted campaign finance regulation, electoral offenses, early voting, diaspora participation, and dispute resolution mechanisms as crucial reform areas, emphasizing that credible elections must reflect all sectors of society.

Rowe also commended the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) for supporting democratic engagement and legislative reform.

“We commend your bipartisan and collaborative approach,” she concluded. “The contributions of all stakeholders here today are invaluable, and we look forward to the successful completion of this process in good time for the next general elections.”

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