The Patriots Lead Call for New Democratic Constitution to Reflect Nigeria’s Plural Identity

Maryam Aminu

National leaders of thought under the banner of The Patriots, led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, have reignited calls for a new, inclusive and democratically-formulated constitution that reflects Nigeria’s diversity and addresses its developmental challenges.

Speaking at the opening of a National Constitutional Summit in Abuja, jointly organised by The Patriots and the Nigerian Political Summit Group, Chief Anyaoku declared that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is no longer fit for purpose, describing it as a military-imposed framework that fails to recognise the country’s pluralism.

“Nigeria is a pluralistic country. Like all successful pluralistic nations, our constitution must be crafted by representatives elected specifically for that purpose,” Anyaoku asserted.
“The 1999 Constitution was not democratically formulated. Its governance structure is non-inclusive and encourages excessive administrative spending at the expense of capital development. Hence, the need for a truly people-driven constitution.”

Citing the nation’s persistent insecurity, poverty, infrastructure gaps, and the disillusionment of Nigerian youth, the elder statesman urged for the drafting of a new constitution that would be ratified through a national referendum to ensure legitimacy and ownership by the people.

Also weighing in on the matter, former President Olusegun Obasanjo represented at the summit by Secretary General of the Eminent Patriots, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi acknowledged flaws in the current constitution but stressed that even the best-drafted laws are vulnerable to abuse by selfish leadership.

“No constitution is perfect,” Obasanjo noted, “but bad leadership can subvert even the best constitutional provisions. Getting the right leaders is critical to building the Nigeria we all dream of.”

Senator Gbenga Daniel, Co-Chairman of the Organising Committee and former Governor of Ogun State, said the summit was a bold citizen-led constitutional intervention, built on years of advocacy and public dissatisfaction with the current governance framework.

“The 1999 Constitution has repeatedly shown its limitations in fostering equity, inclusion, national cohesion, and effective governance,” Daniel stated.
“This summit will critically examine fundamental themes including the structure of the federation, local government reform, resource control, fiscal federalism, judicial and electoral reform, and national security.”

According to Daniel, all resolutions from the summit will be meticulously compiled and submitted to the Presidency and the National Assembly for consideration.

“This is not an act of rebellion. It is an invitation to constructive collaboration and democratic renewal. No voice is too small, and no group should be left behind,” he added.

The summit signals a renewed push by key Nigerian stakeholders to address longstanding structural imbalances and build a constitutional framework that fosters unity, justice, and sustainable development in the 21st century.