By Ahmed Akanbi

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has said that Nigeria would need sustained United Kingdom, UK backing to deliver peaceful and technology-enabled elections in 2027.

Kalu made the call during a meeting with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO Director General, Network, Christina Scott, in London on the sidelines of his engagement at Chatham House.

According to a statement from his office on Sunday, the Deputy Speaker said Nigeria and the UK share long-standing ties built on trade, people-to-people links and a mutual commitment to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

“I wish to convey, on behalf of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly leadership, our sincere gratitude to the UK Government and the FCDO for their continued partnership,” Kalu said.

He commended FCDO’s support through partners like the Policy and Advocacy Center, PLAC, in strengthening democratic governance, electoral integrity, legislative capacity, civic participation and peacebuilding.

Kalu noted that strong legislatures are critical to strong democracies, saying UK assistance on parliamentary capacity, transparency, evidence-based policymaking and electoral reform helps build public confidence in the system.

On reforms, the Deputy Speaker, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, said the 2026 Electoral Act now gives statutory recognition to BVAS and electronic transmission of results.

He added that new provisions have also clarified jurisdiction and timelines for pre-election litigation to reduce uncertainty.

“Our partnership has contributed meaningfully to strengthening the legislative environment for democratic governance in Nigeria,” he said.

Kalu stressed that sustained technical support, comparative learning and inclusive consultations remain vital for reforms around federalism, devolution, local governance, security architecture, and representation of women, young people and persons with disabilities.

Looking ahead to 2027, he said the National Assembly is prioritizing an early settlement of the legal and institutional framework to allow for voter education, training, procurement and confidence-building.

“Our objective is clear: elections that are peaceful, transparent, inclusive, technology-enabled and reflective of the genuine will of the Nigerian people,” he stated.

Pointing out that Nigeria’s democratic health has regional weight, he said: “A stable, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria will remain a pillar of stability for ECOWAS and an anchor for democratic resilience across Africa.”

Kalu concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to constitutionalism and peaceful political competition, and called for “a deeper, more strategic and more impactful relationship” between the FCDO and the National Assembly.