Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Nigeria’s real problem isn’t a flawed constitution — it’s the kind of people who have been entrusted to run it. According to him, no constitution is ever perfect, but with the right people in leadership, good governance and national progress are possible.
Obasanjo made these remarks during the opening session of a three-day National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, held in Abuja. The event, organized by The Patriots and the Nigeria Political Summit Group, brought together leaders and thinkers concerned about Nigeria’s political future.
His statement, delivered on his behalf by Olawale Okunniyi, Secretary-General of The Patriots, emphasized that while constitutional reforms are necessary, the behavior and intentions of those in office matter even more.
“The best constitution can be perverted by the wrong operators — and we’ve seen that play out all across Africa. Nigeria is no exception,” Obasanjo said.
He noted that in the past 15 years, Nigeria’s leaders have sacrificed the welfare of citizens on the “altar of selfishness, corruption, impunity, and total disregard for the constitution.” And unless there’s a change in those at the helm, no amount of constitutional tinkering will fix the system.
“We need people who will uphold decency, integrity, and honesty,” he said.
Victor Attah: The 1999 Constitution Was Never Ours
Former Governor Victor Attah echoed these sentiments but went further to argue that Nigeria’s current constitution was never rooted in the will of the people. According to Attah, who also sent his message through Okunniyi, the 1999 Constitution is a military decree that lacks legitimacy and fails to represent true federalism.
“It wasn’t agreed upon by the people,” he said. “The last true expression of the people’s will was the 1963 Constitution, which the military suspended.”
Attah, speaking on behalf of leaders from the South-South region, called for a return to genuine federalism, where sovereignty rests with the people, not a central authority. He argued that Nigeria’s unity must be based on equity, justice, and mutual consent — not coercion or fear.
Gbenga Daniel: This Is Not Just Another Talkshop
Senator Gbenga Daniel, co-chair of the summit’s organising committee, described the gathering as a crucial citizen-led intervention. According to him, it’s the product of years of advocacy, public frustration, and a growing need for change.
“The 1999 structure has proven inadequate,” Daniel said. “It’s time to address the real issues—governance, equity, inclusion, and national cohesion.”
The summit, he explained, will focus on key areas: restructuring the federation, reforming local governments and traditional institutions, fiscal federalism, electoral and judicial reforms, and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of background, has a voice.
“No group is too small to be heard. We’re building the Nigeria we want, together,” he added.
Daniel also emphasized that the summit isn’t looking to stir confrontation with the government but to present a united, reasonable, and evidence-based call for constitutional reform.
The Takeaway: Constitution Alone Can’t Save Nigeria
Across the summit, one thing was clear: a better Nigeria is possible, but not without bold decisions and honest leadership. While discussions about legal frameworks and reforms are necessary, the true test will be whether those in power have the integrity and political will to act in the interest of the people.
And as Obasanjo, Attah, and Daniel all made clear — time is running out.
