Prominent Nigerian statesmen and leaders have reiterated calls for a new constitution that genuinely reflects the country’s pluralistic identity, warning that the current 1999 Constitution lacks the legitimacy and inclusiveness needed to drive sustainable national development.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, convened by The Patriots in Abuja, respected elder statesman and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, described the 1999 Constitution as a military decree foisted upon the people without their input.
He argued that the document fails to accommodate Nigeria’s diverse makeup and has contributed to systemic inefficiencies in governance. “Nigeria is a pluralistic society, and for any such nation to thrive, its constitution must be crafted by the representatives of its diverse peoples. Our current constitution was imposed it is not the product of democratic consensus,” Anyaoku told attendees.
He lamented the centralised structure of governance, stressing that the 36-state federation created under the current system lacks the capacity to replicate the pace of development seen during Nigeria’s First Republic. Anyaoku asserted that only a new constitution, truly fashioned by Nigerians for Nigerians, could restore stability and progress.
Also contributing, former President Olusegun Obasanjo took a different angle, stressing that the failure lies not only with the document itself but with those entrusted to operate it. Represented by Honourable Wale Okunniyi, Obasanjo insisted that poor leadership, not just structural flaws, has weakened the effectiveness of the constitution. “Even the best constitution can be corrupted by bad actors. What we need most are responsible and accountable operators,” he said.
In a similar vein, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represented by Comrade Benson Upah on behalf of its president, Joe Ajaero, blamed the political elite for failing the nation. “It is not the constitution, but the mindset and priorities of those in charge. The elite have programmed themselves to fail and, in doing so, have failed Nigeria,” Upah stated.
Co-chairman of the organising committee and senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, acknowledged widespread disillusionment but urged the gathering to see the summit as a starting point for action. He assured participants that resolutions from the forum would be compiled, refined, and formally presented to both the National Assembly and the Presidency. “This summit is not an end, but a beginning,” he said, encouraging dialogue over confrontation.
Former Akwa Ibom governor, Obong Victor Attah, cautioned against further delay, warning that time was running out to rescue the country from deeper fragmentation. According to him, the present structure created by military decree can no longer deliver justice, equity, or unity. He declared the summit a final peaceful chance to establish a durable constitutional order.
Former House of Representatives Speaker and ex-governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, represented by Honourable Suraju Bello, affirmed that the summit’s end goal was to draft a new people-driven constitution. “Let this be remembered as the moment Nigeria rose above division and fear, and committed to building a functional federal democracy,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering virtually, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Executive Director of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, appealed for a return to true federalism. She described federalism not just as a preferred model but as the consensus among Nigeria’s founding fathers. According to her, the regional growth experienced during the First Republic was made possible by a constitution that allowed subnational autonomy while preserving unity.
She urged government authorities to act on the summit’s resolutions, stating that their adoption would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. “If they embrace the outcomes with courage, they will write their names in gold,” she said.
Representing Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Femi Okunrounmu recommended that the report of the 2014 National Conference serve as a foundational document for any constitutional reform. Oba Oladipo Olaitan, also of Afenifere, called for a federal structure that grants states full status as federating units, including the ability to create local governments. He advocated the elimination of the current 774 LGAs structure.
The summit also drew support from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), both of which echoed calls for a balanced and just federal system. They warned that the current model is no longer fit for purpose.
Among dignitaries present were Professor Pat Utomi, Oby Ezekwesili, Professor Osagie Obayuwana, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Mrs. Paulen Tallen, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Chief Femi Falana (SAN), and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, among others.
As discussions continue, the call for a restructured Nigeria anchored on fairness, autonomy, and democratic consensus appears to be gaining stronger national momentum.
