On October 13, 2025, Caritas Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, democratic accountability, and electoral integrity by participating in a one-day Public Hearing held at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. Represented by its National Assembly Legislative Liaison Officer, Mr. Utsa Ushahemba Vitalis and Ms. Regina Onah, the organization joined lawmakers, civil society actors, and election management experts to review the 2022 Electoral Act and deliberate on the proposed 2025 Electoral Bill.
During the session, Caritas Nigeria made strategic policy submissions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral legal framework. The organization emphasized the importance of a progressive and transparent electoral system rooted in fairness, inclusivity, and public trust. Key recommendations included the early release of INEC funds to ensure fiscal autonomy, expansion of voter registration to include marginalized populations and prison inmates, and institutionalization of campaign finance transparency through mandatory donor disclosures.
Additional reform proposals advocated by Caritas Nigeria included clearer nomination timelines to prevent political manipulation, increased sanctions for electoral malpractices to serve as deterrents, and the establishment of institutional procedures for appointing the INEC Chairperson to safeguard independence. The organization also called for the mandatory conclusion of electoral petitions before issuing Certificates of Return and conducting swearing-in ceremonies.
Stakeholders at the hearing broadly agreed that repealing the 2022 Electoral Act and enacting a new Electoral Bill is essential to reinforcing citizens’ confidence in the democratic process and enhancing Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence. Caritas Nigeria reiterated its dedication to policy advocacy, civic participation, and collaborative reform efforts aimed at building a more credible, transparent, and accountable political system.
