2025 NATIONAL CONSTITUTION SUMMIT | A NECESSITY OF YESTERDAY

-       SPECIAL REPORT -

 Nigeria’s 2025 National Constitutional Summit: A Bold Step Toward Democratic Renewal

Held from July 15–17, 2025, in Abuja, the National Constitutional Summit marked a historic turning point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Spearheaded by The Patriots, a coalition of elder statesmen, legal experts, and civic leaders, this summit aimed to rewrite Nigeria’s governance blueprint by replacing the widely criticized 1999 Constitution with a truly people-driven charter.

Over 700 delegates from across Nigeria and its diaspora gathered with one common purpose: to set the stage for a reimagined federal structure, inclusive democracy, and accountable leadership.

Objectives of the Summit

• Propose a replacement for the 1999 Constitution through a participatory process
• Restore true federalism, regional autonomy, and decentralized governance
• Lay the groundwork for a Constituent Assembly elected by Nigerians
• Define a roadmap for national referendum-based ratification

Historical Context

Nigeria’s constitutional journey began under British colonial rule and evolved through various phases of reform:

• 1914: Amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates
• 1954 Lyttleton Constitution: Introduced federalism
• 1963 Republican Constitution: First Nigerian-crafted document, marked full independence
• 1979 Constitution: Began the Second Republic under presidential democracy
• 1999 Constitution: Instituted by military decree, currently in force but widely viewed as illegitimate

Decades of centralization, military coups, and civil unrest eroded public trust in governance, leading to urgent calls for reform from civil society, ethnic groups, youth movements, and diaspora communities.

Key Reform Proposals

Reform Area	Proposals
Governance Model	Shift from presidential to a parliamentary system for accountability
Federal Structure	Restructure into autonomous regions with devolved powers
Judiciary	Create regional appellate courts and limit Supreme Court jurisdiction
Electoral Reform	Mandate single-day elections, BVAS use, and legalize independent candidacy
Security	Introduce state police and community-led border protection
Socio-Economic Rights	Strengthen education, gender equity, vulnerable group protections
Diaspora Engagement	Enable voting rights for 15+ million Nigerians abroad

Reactions from Prominent Leaders

• Chief Emeka Anyaoku: Called the 1999 Constitution illegitimate and emphasized the need for regional autonomy.
• Olusegun Obasanjo: Stressed that leadership quality is more crucial than constitutional perfection.
• Femi Falana (SAN): Urged for a peaceful, people-led constitutional revolution.
• Obong Victor Attah: Warned against elite authoritarianism and pushed for resource control and unicameral legislature.
• Civil Society Groups: PANDEF, Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndigbo, and the NLC supported restructuring and grassroots engagement.

Features of a People-Driven Constitution

A people-driven constitution emphasizes inclusive drafting, public consultation, and ratification via national referendum. It reflects Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity while embedding mechanisms for accountability, equity, and effective governance.

• Constituent Assembly elected by citizens
• Town halls and forums for public input
• Broad representation across civil society, youth, women, and traditional institutions

⚖️ Comparison with Past Constitutions

Feature	1979 Constitution	1999 Constitution
Drafting Process	Committee + Assembly	Military-imposed
Presidential Powers	Strong central authority	Some checks and balances
Local Government	Limited autonomy	Democratically mandated
Fundamental Rights	Present but narrow	More expansive protections
Legitimacy	Moderately participatory	Criticized as undemocratic

Potential Impacts

• Improved governance: Streamlined government, decentralization, and regional innovation
• Stronger justice system: Regional courts and specialized tribunals
• Electoral integrity: Transparent voting, empowered voters
• Security: Locally responsive policing and inclusive leadership
• Economic uplift: Reduced corruption, clearer investment policies
• National unity: Greater legitimacy and public trust in institutions

Let’s Take A Rest Here After This

The 2025 National Constitutional Summit signals a bold and hopeful chapter in Nigeria’s history. It doesn’t just advocate for a new constitution, it embodies a renewed commitment to democratic ideals, regional equity, and citizen empowerment. Whether the National Assembly embraces this roadmap remains to be seen, but the momentum for change is undeniable.