The year 2025 has been marked by notable developments as Nigeria continued its trajectory of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999. As in previous years, several key events occurred that merit attention, given their significance and the responses they generated among the populace. These events have had an impact on subsequent years, influencing the ongoing evolution
The year 2025 has been marked by notable developments as Nigeria continued its trajectory of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999. As in previous years, several key events occurred that merit attention, given their significance and the responses they generated among the populace. These events have had an impact on subsequent years, influencing the ongoing evolution of democracy and governance within Nigeria.
The NDR reports key developments in democracy and governance in this two-part series.
National Assembly: Pending Constitutional Amendments Despite Public Hearings
In 2025, Nigeria saw renewed efforts to amend sections of the 1999 constitution, driven by advocacy from stakeholders and civil society groups. Despite initial promises from the National Assembly to pass reform bills before the year’s end, both chambers failed to do so.
The constitution amendment bills presented to legislators encompass a wide range of initiatives, including electoral and judicial reforms, promotion of inclusive governance, enhancement of security and establishment of state policing, devolution of powers, reinforcement of institutions—both governmental and traditional—fiscal reforms, matters of citizenship and indigenisation, protection of fundamental human rights, autonomy for local governments, creation of special seats for women in the National Assembly, and further electoral reform aimed at strengthening Nigerian democracy and restoring public trust in government.
In early 2025, the Senate and House of Representatives held public hearings nationwide to gather citizens’ input on the bill. The House planned a vote for October 14, 2025, but delays prevented lawmakers from meeting that deadline.
Although Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu promised the constitution review would be finished this year, lawmakers failed to complete the amendments, leaving electoral reform and other changes uncertain as the 2027 elections near.
State of Emergency in Rivers and the Supreme Court’s Verdict
On March 18th, 2025, in response to the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state. This decision resulted in the suspension of all elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly, for an initial period of six months. Additionally, President Tinubu announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retired) as the sole administrator of the state during the emergency period. This action received the endorsement of the National Assembly.
The President’s actions sparked strong responses from Nigerians and various organisations, who criticised them as authoritarian and undemocratic. In support of public sentiment, governors from the Peoples Democratic Party took the issue to the Supreme Court, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, and challenged the President’s move to suspend democratic governance in the state.
While the governors were still waiting for the ruling of the apex court on the matter, the six months declared for the emergency government in Rivers State had been completed, prompting the President to lift the suspension on the democratic rule in the state after the warring parties had also reached a truce.
Meanwhile, the judgement of the Supreme Court on the matter also further fuelled more public reaction. On December 15th, 2025, the apex court affirmed the President’s authority under Section 305 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency and take “extraordinary measures”, including temporarily suspending elected officials, to restore peace in any parts of the country.
Certain stakeholders, among them legal experts, have expressed concerns regarding the Supreme Court’s stance. They contend that granting the President this level of authority may constitute overreach, as the extraordinary measures referenced in these laws are not specifically delineated.
ADC as Opposition Platform Against President Tinubu for 2027
Another notable development in Nigeria’s democratic and political landscape was the selection of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to contest against President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The opposition coalition initially considered forming a new party to challenge the ruling party, but after consultations among key leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, Solomon Dalung, Dele Momodu, Gabriel Suswam, and Ireti Kingibe, they decided to adopt the ADC as their main platform.
The Coalition named former Senate President David Mark as the party leader, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was appointed interim national secretary of the coalition-supported ADC.
A considerable number of Nigerians consider ADC a potential contender to the ruling party, expecting it to bring new perspectives to the opposition as elections draw near, particularly amidst speculation that the country could transition to a one-party state. Nevertheless, since its inception, the party has not generated the anticipated impact within the political arena.
Natasha Akpoti vs Akpabio: Suspension and Reinstatement
In 2025, a major controversy erupted in the Nigerian Senate between President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, sparking debate and conflict over women’s representation in government.
Although disagreements between the Senate President and his colleague have occurred publicly before, the aftermath of their latest dispute has brought increased attention to gender issues within the country’s political landscape, highlighting the challenges faced by female politicians. In March 2025, tensions flared in the senate when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan protested her altered seating arrangement—a change made without her knowledge or approval at the start of new hearings. Her refusal to vacate her original seat and her confrontation with the leadership disrupted the plenary session.
Senator Akpoti accused the Senate President of sexual harassment on Arise TV, alleging retaliation for rejecting his advances. Despite a court order, the Senate suspended her for six months from March 6, 2025, barring her from the National Assembly and withholding her pay.
The Senate’s investigation found she violated Senate rules and Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, resulting in her suspension and loss of security aides. After a series of court proceedings, the Kogi Senator resumed her legislative duties.
The development elicited responses from stakeholders and Nigerians, who characterised the challenges encountered by the Kogi Senator as representative of the obstacles faced by women striving to succeed within Nigeria’s highly patriarchal political system.
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