NBA 66th Conference: Lawmaker Erondu Calls for Legal Reforms to Strengthen Democracy | #NwokeukwuMascot
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Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the lawmaker representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, Esq., has called for comprehensive legal and institutional reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
Erondu made the call against the backdrop of the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the theme, “Beyond Limits.”
In a statement signed by his spokesman, George Egejuru and made available to newsmen, the former Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area said the 2027 elections offered Nigeria another opportunity to deepen its democratic culture, stressing that elections alone could not guarantee democratic development without strong institutions capable of protecting the people’s mandate.
He said Nigeria must move beyond periodic elections to build a political and legal system where institutions operate independently, citizens’ rights are protected and public officials are held accountable.
“The strength of our democracy is ultimately determined by the strength of our institutions. We must therefore continue to reform our laws and strengthen the institutions responsible for conducting elections, interpreting the law and protecting the rights of citizens,” he said.
Erondu also called for greater clarity in electoral laws, stronger safeguards for institutional independence and more effective mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes without undermining the will of the electorate.
The Abia-born legislator also advocated reforms to reduce delays in the judicial determination of electoral cases, noting that prolonged disputes could weaken public confidence in the democratic process.
The lawmaker stressed the need for an independent, courageous and accessible judiciary as a key pillar of constitutional democracy.
He urged political parties to strengthen their internal democratic structures, respect their constitutions and guidelines, and ensure transparent processes for selecting candidates.
“Democracy begins within political parties. If internal processes are transparent, credible and respectful of the rights of members, it will strengthen the quality of candidates and ultimately improve the democratic process,” he said.
Erondu also urged political actors to place national interest above personal ambition, warning that the desire to win elections must not become an excuse to undermine democratic institutions or the rule of law.
He said the conversation on democratic reform should extend beyond lawyers and politicians to include the electorate, civil society, the media, traditional institutions and other stakeholders.
The APC chieftain called for increased civic education, particularly among young Nigerians, to enable citizens understand their constitutional rights and responsibilities and make informed electoral choices.
Erondu urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 elections with optimism and vigilance, saying the country has an opportunity to demonstrate that democratic institutions can work when citizens, political parties and public officials respect the law.
“2027 should not merely be another election year. It should be another milestone in our collective effort to build a stronger democracy where the people’s mandate is respected, institutions are protected and every citizen has confidence that the law will stand above individual interests,” he said.
The NBA conference has brought together members of the legal profession, political leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss issues including democracy, governance, the rule of law, elections, judicial independence, institutional accountability and security.
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