posted 22nd March 2025
Citizens’ Group Demands Inquiry into Alleged Voting Irregularities in Nigerian National Assembly
Abuja, Nigeria – 22 March 2025
A Nigerian civil society organisation, the Citizens’ Solution Network (CSN), has called for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate claims of irregularities surrounding a recent voice vote in the country’s National Assembly. The demand, outlined in a press statement released at 7:00 AM on Saturday, 22 March 2025, comes amid growing public scepticism about the authenticity of the voting process in both the lower and upper chambers.
The CSN, led by Country Director Richard Inoyo, is proposing that the commission comprise prominent civil rights activists, journalists, constitutional lawyers, student leaders, trade unionists, and forensic scientists. Its primary task would be to scrutinise the identities of those present during the alleged voting, with millions of Nigerians reportedly questioning whether the participants were indeed serving senators and members of the House of Representatives—or merely “faceless persons” brought in to manipulate the outcome.
“We have received countless reports from citizens across towns and cities expressing doubts about the legitimacy of this process,” the statement read. “The commission must determine if those who shouted in favour of the pronouncement were genuine lawmakers or impostors.”
The inquiry would also probe the circumstances leading up to the vote, including allegations of bribery before, during, and after the session. Additionally, it aims to establish whether the use of a voice vote contravened the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, or adhered to its provisions. The roles of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President will come under particular scrutiny, with the CSN seeking to ascertain if their handling of the plenary session violated constitutional norms.
The call for an investigation extends beyond the National Assembly to the actions of President Bola A. Tinubu. The CSN has raised concerns over the president’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the deployment of troops towards the Rivers State Government House, and the swift swearing-in of Mr. Ibokete Ibas as sole administrator in Abuja—events that reportedly unfolded before the National Assembly could weigh in. The commission will investigate whether these moves breached constitutional protocol or were legally sound.
“The outcomes of this inquiry will have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s political landscape and the enforcement of citizens’ rights,” the statement warned. Should evidence emerge that the Constitution was undermined, the CSN vowed to mobilise citizens to defend the nation’s “grand norm.”
The organisation has invited nominations for the commission, urging leaders from the specified professional communities to submit their names and contact details via WhatsApp to 08067212340. The CSN stressed that this initiative is entirely citizen-led, with no ties to the government.
As public discontent simmers, the proposed inquiry could mark a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, with the potential to reshape trust in its legislative and executive institutions.
