Gidan Yanci Fellows Hosts Dialogue on Nigerian Constitutional Review

April 5, 2024 Mustapha Salisu

By Mustapha Salisu

The Gidan Yanci Fellowship Program, a group of 15 Kano-based young leaders dedicated to promoting freedom of expression, political participation and good governance, on Thursday, held a one-day stakeholder dialogue on the ongoing Nigerian constitutional review process.

The event, titled “Stakeholders Meeting on Constitutional Review,” took place at Bayero University Kano’s New Campus and brought together experts from academia, law, politics, media, and civil society organizations.

PRIME TIME NEWS reports that this dialogue comes in response to the Nigerian National Assembly’s establishment of a Constitution Review Committee in February 2024.

The committee, tasked with reviewing the 1999 Constitution for the sixth time, is seeking public memoranda to address critical national issues and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic structures.

*Stakeholders during the Gidan Yanci dialogue on Constitutional Review.*

The Gidan Yanci dialogue focused specifically on “Electoral Reforms.” Participants acknowledged the progress made by the Nigerian Electoral Act (2022) but identified areas for improvement.

Discussions centered on potential “loopholes and gray areas” within the Act, particularly regarding campaign finances (Section 85), electoral offenses (Sections 120-128), technology integration (Sections 47 & 50), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (Sections 4 & 14).

Gidan Yanci Program Lead, Mr. Sadiq Muhammad Mustapha, emphasized the importance of public participation in the review process.

*Gidan Yanci’s Program Lead, Mr. Sadiq Muhammad Mustapha.*

“The call for Memoranda by the National Assembly presents an avenue for all Nigerians to be involved,” he stated, urging both domestic and international citizens to contribute.

Miss Hafsat Bello Bahara, a Gidan Yanci fellow, described the event as crucial for strengthening political will and deepening democratic reforms.

*A Gidan Yanci Fellow, Miss. Hafsat Bello Bahara*

She expressed hope that the committee will consider all stakeholder input when making final decisions.

PRIME TIME NEWS reports that this stakeholder dialogue highlights the ongoing national conversation surrounding the Nigerian constitution. With the Gidan Yanci Fellowship leading the way, Nigerians have an opportunity to shape the future of their democracy through active participation in the review process.