The Alternative Movement's Legislative Efforts: Strengthening Nigeria Through Participatory Democracy, by Otunba Segun Showunmi

The Alternative Movement, a national movement focused on rejuvenating Nigeria's participatory democracy, among its altruistic efforts, has submitted memoranda to legislative committees proposing amendments to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other key laws. 

On the review of the Constitution, the Movement is promotin party discipline by proposing amendments of Sections 65(2)(b), 106(d), 131(c), and 177(c) of Nigeria's Constitution, to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, to curb party defections and enhance party loyalty, strengthen ideological coherence and improve governance through loyal and committed party members.

On its push for electoral reform, the Movement has taken significant steps to strengthen the country's electoral framework by submitting a comprehensive memorandum to the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee of  Electoral Matters, proposing critical amendments to the Electoral Act 2022. A key focus of these efforts is reforming party primaries to ensure greater inclusivity and grassroots participation.

The Alternative Movement seeks to replace Clause 87 of the Electoral Bill 2025 with a more participatory approach. Its proposal advocates for the use of democratically elected ad hoc delegates from Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Wards rather than party executives or officials, for presidential, governorship senatorial, federal, and state assemblies primaries. For councillorship positions, they recommend direct primaries, with consensus candidates confirmed through congresses. This approach aims to prevent the domination of party elites, ensuring that candidate selection reflects the will of grassroots members and aligns with constitutional principles of inclusivity and fairness.

By shifting power to locally elected delegates, The Alternative Movement hopes to curb "elite capture" of party processes, where powerful officials often dictate outcomes. This reform would enhance transparency, broaden participation, and ensure that elected representatives genuinely reflect community interests. 

On the Birth, Death Registration (Compulsory Registration) Act amendment Bill, Movement made separate presentations to the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population and House of Representatives Committee on Population, seeking to take an active part in the ongoing repealing and re-enactment of the Birth, Death Registration (Compulsory Registration) Act to enhance civil registration and data integrity in Nigeria.

In addition to its support for the critical overhaul of the existing Act, The Movement through its memoranda to the committees, proposed the amendment to the National Population Commission Act and consolidation of both Acts into a single law, to cater for the National Population and Civil Registration to eliminate duplication and clarify institutional roles.

It is also called due to the adoption of electronic systems for birth and death registration, ensuring data congruence between federal, state, and local registries, for improved registration that will boost governance, planning, and compliance with global data standards, akin to reforms in the Petroleum Industry Act and tax laws, etc.

These efforts reflect the Alternative Movement’s commitment to Nigeria’s democratic rejuvenation, aligning with advocacy for transparency, accountability, inclusivity, sustainable national planning, and active citizenry.

Otunba Segun Showunmi

The Alternative