Survey shows overwhelming Nigerian support for constitutional reforms and special legislative seats for women.
The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has released the findings of a nationwide survey on Nigeria’s ongoing Constitution Review, revealing strong public support for reserving special legislative seats for women.
Presenting the report to journalists in Abuja, PLAC Executive Director Dr. Clement Nwankwo said the survey shows a strong national consensus in key governance changes.
The survey, commissioned by PLAC to support the Constitution Review process at the National Assembly, assessed Nigerians’ awareness, perceptions, and expectations regarding constitutional reform.
It also examines public understanding of the process, identify priority areas for amendment, and gauged citizens’ confidence in the National Assembly’s ability to implement meaningful reforms.
Survey Methodology
Speaking on the methodology used, Dr Nwankwo explained that the survey conducted in November 2025, drew a nationally representative sample of Nigerians aged 18 and above across all six geopolitical zones, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“We used proportionate stratified random sampling from the NOI Polls Numbers Database. Interviews were conducted in English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin English to ensure broad demographic and linguistic inclusion”.
Key Findings
Dr Nwankwo explained that despite high public interest in reforms, 57% of Nigerians remain unaware of the ongoing Constitution Review process, with awareness particularly low among women and young people. Awareness improves with higher education and income, highlighting the need for inclusive outreach campaigns.
Governance and Structural Reforms
He said, “Among Nigerians aware of the review, support for substantive reforms is overwhelming”
- Local Government Autonomy: 89% back full financial and administrative autonomy for local governments.
- Devolution of Powers: 61% support devolving more powers, including control over mineral resources, from the Federal Government to states.
- State Police: 70% favor establishing State Police alongside the Federal Police, while stressing the need for accountability safeguards.
Electoral Integrity and Political Accountability
Public demand for electoral reform is strong:
- 91% support mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
- A majority favor using electronic voting to enhance electoral credibility.
- 87% believe legislators should vacate their seats before defecting to another party.
- 77% want INEC, rather than State Independent Electoral Commissions, to conduct local government elections.
Judicial Reforms
- 92% support strict constitutional timelines for resolving election petitions.
- 66% favor increasing the number of Justices in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to reduce delays.
Gender Inclusion and Representation
While awareness of the Special Seats for Women Bill is only 40%, 90% of Nigerians support reserving legislative seats for women at national and state levels, signaling broad national consensus beyond gender and regional lines.
Other Priority Areas
Respondents highlighted insecurity, federalism, and good governance as additional priorities for constitutional amendment, reinforcing the survey’s broader themes.
Conclusion
The survey demonstrates that Nigerians strongly support reforms that promote decentralization, accountability, electoral integrity, judicial efficiency, and inclusive governance.
While public awareness remains limited, the evidence confirms that citizens are deeply invested in the outcomes of the Constitution Review.
According to Clement Nwankwo, “The National Assembly now has clear, evidence-based guidance on what Nigerians expect from constitutional reform. This is an opportunity to align Nigeria’s governance framework with the aspirations of its citizens.”
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