National Assembly approves sixth South-East state, independent candidacy, electoral reforms

In a historic move set to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state for the South-east geopolitical zone.

The committee also recommended allowing independent candidacy in future elections and adding one elective seat for women in every state of the federation.

The resolutions were reached at a closed-door retreat held on Saturday at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, signaling a potential overhaul of Nigeria’s federal structure and a step toward greater democratic inclusivity.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, stressed that the constitution review must prioritise national interest over individual or party considerations.

“The reforms we pursue should reflect fairness and unity for all Nigerians,” he said.

The joint committee, composed of one senator and one member of the House from each of Nigeria’s 36 states, deliberated extensively before reaching consensus on the three transformative proposals.

The motion for creating a new state in the South-east was moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ogun State).

After spirited debate focused on equity and justice, members of both chambers unanimously endorsed the measure.

For decades, the South-east currently made up of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—has advocated for a sixth state to achieve parity with other regions.

Most zones already have six states, while the North-west has seven.

If ratified by the National Assembly and at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, the new state would formally bring the South-east to equality with other regions.

Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) hailed the decision as “a long-overdue act of fairness and justice,” emphasising that structural equity strengthens national unity.

Deputy Speaker Kalu described it as “a significant milestone for inclusion and balance in Nigeria’s federal system.”

Equally groundbreaking is the committee’s approval of independent candidacy.

This reform would allow Nigerians to contest elections without party sponsorship for the first time, aiming to reduce the dominance of political party hierarchies and broaden access to public office.

Committee sources described the debate as “progressive and bipartisan,” highlighting that independent candidacy could boost accountability and public trust in the electoral process.

Legal and procedural adjustments to the Electoral Act and Constitution will be required to define eligibility, nomination processes, and campaign financing for independents.

The committee also approved a gender-focused reform, granting one additional legislative seat for women in both chambers of the National Assembly for each state, including the Federal Capital Territory.

If enacted, the measure would create 36 new Senate seats and additional seats in the House of Representatives, significantly improving female representation, which currently stands below five percent.

The sub-panel formed to refine the technical aspects of these proposals will ensure the amendments are ready for plenary consideration in both chambers, followed by submission to state assemblies.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who co-chaired the retreat with Deputy Speaker Kalu, called on members to build consensus across states.

“Our objective is to ensure all stakeholders, from both chambers and state legislatures, are aligned by the time we reach the voting stage,” he said.

The joint committee’s decisions represent a major step toward rectifying long-standing structural imbalances, promoting democratic access, and advancing gender inclusivity.

If fully ratified, these reforms could redefine Nigeria’s federation, ensuring a fairer distribution of political power and opportunities for all citizens.