The Nigerian House of Representatives has officially postponed its anticipated debate on the ongoing Constitution review exercise. The deferment, initially scheduled for Wednesday and later Thursday, was made to allow for broader consultation among members, ensure careful alignment on sensitive amendment proposals, and address lingering concerns regarding the draft document. Key issues driving this decision include proposed security reforms, local council autonomy, and critical provisions that are expected to shape the 2027 general elections.

Lawmakers expressed significant concerns over unresolved matters within the draft constitution. Many argued that they had not received printed copies of the review documents in a timely manner, with some distributed only after members had already taken their seats in the Committee of the Whole. This limited their ability to make informed contributions. Consequently, there was a collective call for adequate time to study the proposals, consult with their constituents, and thoroughly understand the profound implications of the proposed changes, underlining the need to prevent a rushed process.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the influential House Committee on Constitutional Review, explicitly stated that the postponement was essential to safeguard the credibility and technical soundness of the entire review process. He remarked, “We cannot afford mistakes at this stage. Some submissions from public hearings and caucus engagements are still being incorporated. It is better to have a constitution review process that is credible, inclusive and technically sound.” This sentiment was echoed by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who welcomed the decision, cautioning that a hasty debate could severely undermine legislative scrutiny and erode public confidence in the outcomes.

Further support for the delay came from Alhassan Doguwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), who underscored the significance of the exercise as one of the most consequential tasks before the 10th Assembly. He emphasized, “This is not a regular bill; it is the foundation of our democracy. We need a document that reflects the will of all Nigerians, not one drafted under pressure. Taking more time is the responsible course of action.” Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere also backed the deferment, stressing that the review process must prioritize national interest over mere political expediency or speed.

This ongoing Constitution review is widely considered the most comprehensive of its kind since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. It involves over 50 amendment proposals that have been meticulously submitted by a diverse range of stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, professional bodies, and the Houses of Assembly themselves. The aim is to forge a foundational document that truly embodies the collective will and aspirations of all Nigerians.

The House is now expected to reconvene its debate on the Constitution review once the committee completes its crucial harmonization work and circulates a clean, final draft for members to consider. A vote is anticipated to take place around December 10, preceding the chamber's annual end-of-year break. Following the House's vote, the Senate is also expected to proceed with its own vote. Subsequently, harmonized positions from both chambers will be transmitted to the state Houses of Assembly for concurrence, as constitutionally required. If adopted by at least 24 states, the approved amendments will then be returned to the National Assembly for final certification, paving the way for transmission to the President for his assent.