PLAC Survey Reveals National Support for Constitutional Reforms in Nigeria

By Julian Osamoto 

The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has unveiled the findings of a nationwide survey on Nigeria’s ongoing Constitution Review.

The survey reveals public backing for far-reaching reforms across governance, electoral integrity, and gender representation.

Presenting the report to journalists in Abuja, PLAC Executive Director Dr. Clement Nwankwo described the results as a “clear mandate from Nigerians for comprehensive constitutional change.”

Dr. Nwankwo highlighted the national consensus in favor of reserving special legislative seats for women, alongside reforms aimed at decentralising power as well as enhancing accountability.

Assessing Public Awareness and Expectations

The survey carried out by PLAC was to support the Constitution Review process at the National Assembly.

Dr Nwankwo said the survey evaluated Nigerians’ awareness, perceptions, and expectations of constitutional reforms. “It also examined citizens’ understanding of the review process, identified priority areas for amendment, and measured confidence in the National Assembly’s ability to deliver meaningful reform”.

Survey Methodology

PLAC boss explained that the survey, conducted in November 2025, drew a nationally representative sample of Nigerians aged 18 and above across all six geopolitical zones, all 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We applied proportionate stratified random sampling from the NOI Polls Numbers Database,” he said. “Interviews were conducted in English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin English to ensure full demographic and linguistic inclusion.”

Key Findings

According to him, despite widespread public interest in reform, 57% of Nigerians remain unaware of the ongoing Constitution Review, with awareness particularly low among women and young people. Higher education and income levels were linked to greater awareness, underlining the urgent need for inclusive civic engagement campaigns.

Governance and Structural Reforms

Among those aware of the review, support for substantive reforms was overwhelming: “Local Government Autonomy: 89% support full financial and administrative autonomy for local governments. Devolution of Powers: 61% favor devolving more powers, including control over mineral resources, from the Federal Government to the states. State Police: 70% back the establishment of State Police alongside the Federal Police, emphasizing strong accountability safeguards”.

Electoral Integrity and Political Accountability

He stressed that Nigerians need stronger electoral systems: “91% support mandatory electronic transmission of election results. A strong majority endorse electronic voting to improve 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”.

While 92% advocate for strict constitutional timelines for resolving election petitions, 66% support increasing the number of Justices in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to reduce delays and improve access to justice

and only 40% are aware of the Special Seats for Women Bill, with 90% in support of reserving legislative seats for women at both national as well as state levels.

The survey reveals that Nigerians are not disengaged, they demand reforms that decentralize power, strengthen institutions, and ensure inclusive governance.