…Call for urgent reforms at National Constitutional Summit in Abuja
A broad coalition of elder statesmen, former presidents, regional groups, civil society leaders, labour voices, and policy advocates has renewed the call for a new people-driven constitution for Nigeria. The demand dominated discussions at the National Constitutional Summit, which opened Wednesday (July 16, 2025) in Abuja, organised by The Patriots in partnership with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG).
Why a New Constitution? Anyaoku Sets the Tone
Chair of The Patriots and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, described the 1999 Constitution as a military-imposed document that has failed to deliver true federalism, cost-effective governance, or national cohesion. He urged a democratically formulated constitution, crafted by the Nigerian people through elected representatives and ratified by referendum.
“Our present 1999 Constitution was imposed by the military… Nigeria needs a credible, truly federal constitution formulated by its people,” Anyaoku said.
He linked insecurity, economic strain, and weakening unity to structural defects in the current system, arguing that the 36-state framework has not replicated the successes of Nigeria’s early federal era.
Obasanjo: Constitution Matters, But Leadership Matters More
In a goodwill message, former President Olusegun Obasanjo supported reform but cautioned that no constitution can succeed under poor leadership.
“If the operators remain the same, the welfare of Nigerians will continue to suffer. The real issue is failed leadership,” he warned.
Gbenga Daniel: Citizen-Driven Reform Needed
Summit Co-Chair and former Ogun State governor Senator Gbenga Daniel branded the 1999 Constitution “consistently inadequate” on governance, inclusion, and national cohesion. He called for a citizen-driven process to rebuild trust between government and the governed.
Victor Attah: ‘Elite Authoritarianism,’ Not Democracy
Obong Victor Attah, former Akwa Ibom governor, issued a blunt critique: Nigeria operates “elite authoritarianism,” not people-powered democracy. He argued that the constitutional order enables political party barons and undermines the ballot.
“This is not democracy,” Attah said. “It’s elite authoritarianism.”
PANDEF’s Position: Return to Federal Principles
Speaking for the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Igali urged reforms rooted in the old 1963 Constitution model. Key proposals:
- Resource control & fiscal federalism
- State policing
- Rotational presidency
- Unicameral legislature
- Higher derivation for producing states
Afenifere & 2014 Confab Report
Representatives Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Chief Femi Okurounmu of Afenifere backed the adoption of the 2014 National Conference Report as a working blueprint toward a balanced federation.
Ohaneze Ndigbo: Structural Balance & State Police
Okey Nwadinobi, speaking for Ohaneze Ndigbo, called for:
- Creation of an additional state in the Southeast to address structural imbalance.
- State police to ease pressure on overstretched federal security forces.
NLC: Constitutional Questions Are Too Important to Leave to Politicians Alone
Delivering the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) message, Benson Upah urged Nigerians—leaders and citizens alike—to engage directly in the reform debate, insisting that sovereignty must remain with the people.
Awolọwọ Foundation: Federalism Still the Path
Representing the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Ambassador (Dr.) O. Awolọwọ Dosumu reminded participants of Chief Awolowo’s long-standing belief: only a truly federal constitution can hold Nigeria together in unity and fairness.
“This summit must be a turning point.”
Who Was in the Room?
The Summit drew a heavyweight lineup, including: General Ike Nwachukwu, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Chief Wole Olanipekun, and many others.
Summit Theme: “Actualising a Constitutional Democracy That Works for All in Nigeria.”
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What to Watch as the 3-Day Summit Continues
- Will delegates agree on a roadmap for a new constitution or a phased amendment strategy?
- Could the 2014 Confab Report and the 1963 federal principles form the base text?
- Will there be a push for referendum-based ratification—a long-standing demand of pro-reform advocates?
- How will the proposals engage the National Assembly, state governors, and grassroots groups?
Expect a communiqué or set of reform recommendations as the Summit wraps. If adopted and pushed politically, Nigeria could be on the path to its most consequential constitutional debate since 1999.
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