ABUJA — Prominent Nigerian figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), and former Akwa Ibom State Governor Victor Attah, engaged in a spirited debate over the relevance of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution at the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy held in Abuja.
The summit, organised by The Patriots in collaboration with the Nigeria Political Summit Group, brought together political and civil society leaders to review Nigeria’s democratic framework and propose reforms.
Speaking through Olawale Okunniyi, Secretary-General of Eminent Patriots, Obasanjo said Nigeria’s problem is not primarily the constitution but the conduct of its leaders. He acknowledged that the constitution needs amendment but insisted that poor leadership has been the real challenge.
Obasanjo argued that even the best constitution could be distorted by bad actors, citing the past 15 years as a period during which selfishness, corruption, and impunity have prevailed over rule of law and morality. He said the focus should now shift to the character and competence of those in power.
Falana, in his submission, declared that Nigeria’s political elite has continuously resisted reforms that would ensure credible elections. He said real change cannot come through the existing legislative framework, which he described as inaccessible and ineffective. According to him, only a revolution driven by the people can lead to the discard of the current constitution. He accused the judiciary of aiding the stagnation by ruling against the use of technology like BVAS and card readers.
Victor Attah called the 1999 Constitution a fraudulent document lacking legitimacy. He said it was imposed by the military without the consent of the people, thereby undermining Nigeria’s democracy. He lamented the growing disillusionment among citizens, declining voter turnout, and loss of public trust. Attah advocated true federalism, a unicameral legislature, and mechanisms for recall and accountability of public officers.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku insisted that Nigeria needs a new constitution developed by representatives elected specifically for that purpose. He criticised the 1999 Constitution as undemocratic, saying it encourages wasteful governance and hinders development. He emphasised the importance of adopting a federal system suited to Nigeria’s diverse population.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), represented by Ambassador Godknows Igali, called for a return to the principles of the 1963 Constitution. PANDEF demanded resource control, state policing, a rotational presidency, increased derivation for oil-producing states, and a unicameral legislature.
Afenifere, represented by Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Chief Femi Okurounmu, called for immediate restructuring and recommended the 2014 National Conference Report as a workable framework for Nigeria’s reform process.
Senator Gbenga Daniel, Co-Chair of the Summit Organising Committee, said the gathering would deliberate on key national issues such as federalism, electoral and judicial reforms, security, and local governance. He said the summit’s conclusions would be consolidated and submitted to the Presidency and the National Assembly.
