The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has urged the Nigerian Senate to respect citizens’ views and not act as overlords in the ongoing review of the Electoral Act. The call was made by PLAC Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Nwankwo highlighted that broad consensus on key reforms, including real-time electronic transmission of election results, had already been achieved through joint National Assembly committees, public hearings, and zonal consultations. He expressed concern over the Senate’s use of closed executive sessions on such a critical national issue.
The PLAC director stressed that the Electoral Act is a national asset, not the personal property of any legislator. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, reminding lawmakers that they were elected by the people and must serve citizens’ interests.
“You must respect citizens’ views. Don’t act as overlords. There is nothing that makes you superior to the ordinary Nigerian,” Nwankwo said. He criticized legislators who ignore public opinion while appearing to exercise unchecked authority over national matters.
PLAC’s warning underscores growing calls for greater citizen engagement and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral reforms, stressing that meaningful democratic progress depends on lawmakers listening to and acting in accordance with the will of the people.
