A landmark nationwide survey has provided a powerful, data-driven mandate for Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review, revealing a striking alignment between public aspiration and the agenda for structural reform. Conducted by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in November across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the study uncovers a strong national consensus on critical governance issues, even as it highlights a significant public awareness gap.
The Executive Director of PLAC, Clement Nwankwo, presented the findings, which serve as a crucial barometer of citizen sentiment. “The survey offers the National Assembly clear, evidence-based guidance on citizens’ expectations,” Nwankwo stated, emphasizing that the calls for reform reflect widely shared national aspirations rather than narrow interests.
A Consensus for Decentralization and Autonomy
The data reveals overwhelming public demand for rebalancing Nigeria’s federal structure. An extraordinary 89% of respondents favour full financial and administrative autonomy for local governments—a direct critique of the current system where states often control local council funds, crippling grassroots development. Furthermore, 61% support devolving more powers from the Federal Government to the states, including control over mineral resources. This suggests a public appetite for a more competitive, resource-driven federalism where states can leverage their unique endowments.
Perhaps most notably, 70% back the establishment of state police alongside the federal force. This consensus, however, is nuanced; respondents overwhelmingly stressed the need for robust safeguards against abuse, reflecting concerns about potential politicization and human rights violations. This indicates the public seeks not just decentralization, but responsible decentralization with strong accountability frameworks.
Electoral Integrity: A Non-Negotiable Public Demand
On electoral reforms, the survey findings are a clarion call for transparency. A near-unanimous 91% support mandatory electronic transmission of election results, a direct response to perennial disputes and eroding public trust in electoral outcomes. Additionally, 87% insist that legislators must vacate their seats before defecting to another party, aiming to curb the rampant political cross-carpeting that undermines party ideology and voter mandates. Furthermore, 77% prefer the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections, seeking to dismantle the current model where state-run electoral commissions often produce foregone conclusions.
Judicial Efficiency and Gender Inclusion: Clear Mandates for Change
The judiciary is also in focus. While views are mixed on existing provisions for judicial independence, a commanding 92% support strict constitutional timelines for resolving election petitions—a reform that could prevent protracted litigation from undermining governance. To tackle case backlogs, 66% favour increasing the number of Justices in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
On gender inclusion, the survey reveals a powerful latent support. Although only 40% of Nigerians are aware of the specific ‘Special Seats for Women Bill,’ an overwhelming 90% support reserving special legislative seats for women at national and state levels once the concept is explained. “This is a position that cuts across gender and regional lines,” Nwankwo noted, suggesting that proactive legislation could unlock broad-based support for closing the gender gap in representation.
The Paradox: Strong Support Amidst Low Awareness
The most critical challenge identified is a profound awareness gap. Despite the strong consensus on reform content, 57% of Nigerians are unaware of the ongoing constitution review process altogether, with awareness particularly low among women and young people. This paradox presents a major risk: a reform process of monumental importance could proceed without the informed engagement of the majority it is meant to serve. It underscores an urgent need for civic education and inclusive public engagement campaigns to translate latent public support into active citizen participation.
In conclusion, the PLAC survey provides more than just statistics; it offers a ‘People’s Charter’ for constitutional reform. It demonstrates that on the core issues of governance structure, electoral integrity, and inclusive representation, Nigerians are largely united. The task for the National Assembly and civic stakeholders is now twofold: to boldly champion these evidence-based reforms and to urgently bridge the awareness gap, ensuring the process itself reflects the democratic ideals the revised constitution aims to enshrine.
(Survey Source: Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC). Edited by Yakubu Uba.)
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