Constitution Not Nigeria’s Problem, Leadership Is — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that Nigeria’s constitutional challenges are not primarily due to the document itself but the individuals entrusted with its implementation. He argued that no constitution, regardless of how well-written, can deliver good governance unless it is operated by leaders committed to the welfare of citizens.

Obasanjo made this assertion during the opening session of a three-day National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, organized by The Patriots in collaboration with the Nigeria Political Summit Group, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Delivering Obasanjo’s remarks on his behalf, Secretary-General of Eminent Patriots, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi, noted that while every nation’s constitution should reflect its history, makeup, and aspirations, the ideal of a “perfect” constitution is illusory. Instead, he stressed, the people implementing it matter more.

“In all my years of operating and observing the Nigerian constitution, I can point out many sections that could benefit from amendments. Still, no constitution is perfect. The operators determine its success or failure,” Obasanjo stated.

He cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy is being subverted not by the constitution itself, but by those who manipulate it for selfish ends.

“We have seen across Africa—and in Nigeria in particular—that even the best constitutions can be rendered ineffective by bad actors. For over a decade and a half, we have seen the welfare of Nigerians sacrificed on the altar of corruption, impunity, and the lack of integrity.”

According to the former president, unless there is a deliberate shift in the calibre of people managing the country’s democratic framework, even well-intended reforms will fail to improve governance outcomes.

“As long as those charged with upholding the constitution continue down the path of moral decay and constitutional abuse, any attempt to improve our governance structure will be futile.”

Obasanjo added that while constitutional amendment is necessary, priority must be placed on ethical leadership and the rule of law. He called for national introspection and a renewed commitment to the public good by political leaders.

1999 Constitution Not of the People – Victor Attah

Also speaking at the summit, former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, in a statement read by Okunniyi, criticized the legitimacy of the 1999 Constitution, describing it as a military imposition lacking popular endorsement.

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“This is not another talk-shop. It is a call to confront the contradiction of claiming to be governed by the will of the people, while operating under a constitution that was never subjected to their consent,” he said.

Attah recalled that Nigeria’s last truly federal constitution—the 1963 Republican Constitution—was a product of national consensus, which was upended by successive military regimes. He described the 1999 Constitution as an instrument that stripped Nigerians of their sovereignty.

“The 1963 Constitution, a legitimate expression of our collective will, was repealed and replaced without national consultation. What we have today is a unitary system masquerading as federalism.”

Calling for urgent restructuring, Attah aligned with the sentiments of leaders from other geopolitical zones, warning that the current system is unsustainable. He advocated for the return of sovereignty to the people through a functional federal system rooted in equity and justice.

“We must break free from the imperial presidency and return to a structure that guarantees autonomy to the federating units. That’s the only way forward for Nigeria.”

He listed key reform proposals: restoring true federalism, adopting a unicameral legislature, reducing the cost of politics, and ensuring ministers are appointed solely from among elected representatives.

“We must not fear change. What we should truly fear is our unwillingness to embrace it. The clock is ticking—and if we squander this opportunity, we risk sliding into irreversible disintegration.”

A Citizen-Led Call for Reform – Gbenga Daniel

In his remarks, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Co-Chairman of the Organising Committee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, described the summit as a timely citizens’ intervention driven by national urgency.

“This summit is the product of extensive consultations and a rising tide of public concern over the structural failures of our current system,” Daniel said.

The former Ogun State governor stressed that the country’s problems stem from a constitutional order that no longer reflects its diverse realities. He said the summit aimed to chart a path forward based on broad national consensus.

“The 1999 Constitution has consistently failed to address the fundamental challenges of equity, inclusivity, and national cohesion. Our agenda is bold but clear.”

Daniel outlined the summit’s key focus areas, including the restructuring of the federation, the reinvention of local government administration, the role of traditional institutions, resource control, fiscal federalism, security reforms, electoral credibility, and judicial independence.

He assured participants that resolutions from the summit would be carefully documented and presented to both the executive and legislative arms of government.

“This is not about confrontation. We seek constructive dialogue and collaboration. Our leaders must be persuaded—through reasoned arguments and compelling evidence—that the status quo is unsustainable.”

Daniel also stressed the importance of broad-based participation, urging youth, women, civil society, and faith-based organizations to engage actively in the process.

“No voice should be too small to matter. No group must be excluded. The Nigeria we want is one that listens, includes, and reflects the aspirations of all its people.”

A Pivotal Moment in Nigeria’s Democratic Journey

The National Summit on Nigeria’s Constitutional Future signals a growing consensus among political and civil society leaders that the current framework no longer serves the country’s pluralistic needs. The discussions over the coming days are expected to shape proposals for a new national framework that prioritizes equity, accountability, and true federalism.

With voices like Obasanjo, Attah, and Daniel calling for introspection and reform, the summit may mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey—or, as some warn, a final opportunity to save the union from systemic collapse.