Fatima Alkali Declines Tinubu’s Appointment to Law Reform Commission

ABUJA – Professor Fatima Alkali, a distinguished academic and legal scholar, has formally declined her nomination to serve as a commissioner at the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC). Her decision was in response to an appointment made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025.

Alkali, who was nominated to represent the North-East geopolitical zone, currently serves as a Professor of Law at Nile University, Abuja, where she specializes in constitutional law, human rights, and legal reform. Widely respected in academic and legal circles, she has contributed extensively to legal education and policy development in Nigeria. Her decision to opt out of the role has generated considerable interest, although no official reason has been provided for her withdrawal.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters disclosed her decision on Tuesday while presenting its report on the screening of nominees. The committee confirmed that Alkali communicated her withdrawal directly to the presidency and did not appear for screening alongside the other nominees.

President Tinubu had nominated Alkali alongside Professor Dakas C.J. Dakas, a renowned constitutional law expert and former Attorney General of Plateau State representing the North-Central, and Uchenna Okolocha, a senior legal practitioner from the South-South. Both Dakas and Okolocha appeared before the Senate committee and were successfully screened.

The committee reported that the two male nominees satisfied all legal and professional requirements and recommended their confirmation. The Senate adopted the committee’s recommendation and confirmed both appointments through a voice vote during Tuesday’s plenary.

With Alkali stepping down, the North-East slot on the Commission remains vacant. Sources indicate that the presidency is already considering a replacement, and there is a strong possibility that another qualified female candidate may be nominated to ensure gender balance within the Commission.

The Nigerian Law Reform Commission is tasked with modernizing and harmonizing Nigeria’s laws to reflect current realities. The new commissioners are expected to play a key role in advancing the administration’s legislative reform agenda and improving the country’s legal framework.