Constitution review, defections, insecurity to shape agenda as NASS resumes Tuesday

Constitution review, defections, insecurity to shape agenda as NASS resumes Tuesday

As the National Assembly resumes plenary on Tuesday after its Easter recess, lawmakers are returning to a politically charged and forward-looking legislative calendar, with constitutional amendments, a deepening wave of defections, and worsening insecurity expected to shape proceedings in the weeks ahead.

The resumption comes at a time when the legislature is under pressure to move beyond routine lawmaking and deliver on reforms that could redefine governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Topping the legislative priorities is the amendment of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a process that has lingered despite its far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political and institutional framework.

Both chambers had earlier advanced several alteration bills through second reading, with proposals now at various stages within the Constitution Review Committees.

These include far-reaching issues such as devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, state policing, local government autonomy, judicial reforms, electoral adjustments, and reserved seats for women.

With plenary resuming, lawmakers are expected to revive the process, including the harmonisation of bills and the continuation of public hearings across geopolitical zones.

The consultations are expected to draw inputs from citizens, civil society organisations, and political stakeholders, shaping the final contours of the amendments.

However, beyond legislative procedure, the real challenge lies ahead.

Constitutional amendments require approval by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly, a threshold that has historically slowed progress and forced political compromise.

In the coming months, the success of the process will likely depend on alignment between federal lawmakers, state governments, and party structures.

Particular attention is expected to focus on state policing, which has gained renewed urgency amid worsening insecurity across the country.

From banditry in the North-West to killings in the North-Central and insurgent attacks in the North-East, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to support decentralised security frameworks.

President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly called for legislative backing for state police, urging the National Assembly to review existing laws to enable sub-national policing structures.

Within the legislature, proposals are already being developed to decentralise policing while embedding safeguards to prevent political misuse. The Nigeria Police Force has also submitted a framework to lawmakers, signalling growing institutional support for reform.

Speaking on the issue, Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader, said the National Assembly is prioritising a decentralised policing model designed to emphasise accountability and protect fundamental rights.

He noted that the proposed framework would devolve powers while incorporating safeguards against abuse and aligning with global best practices.

While constitutional reform is expected to dominate legislative focus, it is unfolding against a backdrop of shifting political loyalties within the National Assembly.

Another major issue expected to shape proceedings is the continued wave of defections across both chambers, driven by early realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the Senate, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is projected to lose further ground as lawmakers reposition politically.

Among the most significant developments is the defection of Aliyu Wadada from the Social Democratic Party, whose move carries added weight following his endorsement by Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa state governor as a preferred successor.

His dual positioning, within the legislature and in state politics, reflects a broader trend where lawmakers are increasingly aligning their legislative roles with future electoral ambitions.

In the House of Representatives, the scale of defections is expected to be even more pronounced. The Green Chamber had adjourned on a dramatic note before the Easter break, with about 27 lawmakers announcing their defection one of the largest waves of cross-carpeting in the 10th Assembly.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had hinted that more defections were imminent, noting that several letters could not be read due to the absence of affected lawmakers, suggesting that further realignments may emerge as plenary resumes.

Among notable developments is the defection of Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House, from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the minority Labour Party (LP), a move expected to trigger internal contestation and potentially encourage further crossovers.

Recent coalition talks involving platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have also fuelled speculation of additional high-profile defections. Analysts warn that the trend could weaken opposition oversight and tilt the balance of power further toward the ruling party.

Beyond political maneuvering, lawmakers are returning amid heightened national security concerns.

From kidnappings and bandit attacks to communal violence, insecurity remains a dominant challenge, increasing pressure on the legislature to move beyond routine motions toward more concrete interventions.

At the same time, economic realities, including inflation, fiscal pressures, and ongoing reforms, are expected to demand legislative attention, particularly in areas requiring oversight and policy backing.

As plenary resumes, the interplay between constitutional reform, political realignment, and national challenges is expected to define the tone of legislative business.

While the amendment of the constitution presents an opportunity for far-reaching institutional change, the undercurrent of defections and strategic positioning ahead of 2027 may ultimately shape how much progress lawmakers can achieve in the months ahead.