The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre has released findings from a nationwide survey on Nigeria’s ongoing constitution review, revealing public support for constitutional reforms and national consensus on key governance issues.

The executive director of PLAC, a civil society organisation, Clement Nwankwo, revealed this in a statement on Friday.

According to him, the survey, conducted in November across the six geopolitical zones, all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, shows overwhelming backing for reforms in local government autonomy.

“Other areas of broad national consensus are devolution of powers, electoral integrity, judicial efficiency and gender inclusion.

“In spite of this support, the poll also found that 57 per cent of Nigerians are unaware of the ongoing Constitution Review process, with awareness particularly low among women and young people.

“Among respondents who are aware of the review, support for structural reforms is significant,” he said.

Mr Nwankwo said the survey found that 89 per cent favour full financial and administrative autonomy for local governments, while 61 per cent support devolving more powers, including control over mineral resources, from the federal government to states.

He added that 70 per cent of respondents backed the establishment of state police alongside the federal police, although many stressed the need for strong safeguards against abuse.

“On electoral reforms, public demand is especially strong, with 91 per cent supporting mandatory electronic transmission of election results.

“87 per cent insisted that legislators should vacate their seats before defecting to another party, and 77 per cent preferred the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct local government elections,” he said.

PLAC’s executive director said the survey also highlighted strong public interest in judicial and gender reforms.

“While views are mixed on whether current constitutional provisions adequately guarantee judicial independence, 92 per cent of respondents support strict constitutional timelines for resolving election petition cases.

“66 per cent favour increasing the number of justices in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

“On gender inclusion, only 40 per cent of respondents are aware of the Special Seats for Women Bill, but an overwhelming 90 per cent support reserving special legislative seats for women at both national and state levels. This is a position that cuts across gender and regional lines,” Mr Nwankwo said.

Mr Nwankwo said the findings demonstrated that calls for constitutional reform reflect widely shared national aspirations, offering the National Assembly clear, evidence-based guidance on citizens’ expectations as the review process continues.

(NAN)