NIGERIA’S NATIONAL CONSTITUTION SUMMIT – 2025 | HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ?

-SPECIAL REPORT-

NIGERIA’S NATIONAL CONSTITUTION SUMMIT – 2025 | WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The National Constitutional Summit held in Abuja from July 15–17, 2025, was a landmark event aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s democratic future. Convened by The Patriots, a coalition of elder statesmen and civic leaders led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the summit brought together over 700 delegates from across the country and the diaspora.

Key Objectives

• Replace the 1999 Constitution with a new, people-driven charter
• Restore true federalism and decentralize governance
• Create a Constituent Assembly through non-partisan elections
• Draft a new constitution to be ratified via national referendum

Major Reform Proposals

• Governance Structure
• Shift from the expensive presidential system to a more accountable model
• Restructure Nigeria into autonomous regions with genuine federal powers
• Streamline the legislature to reduce cost and improve efficiency
• Judiciary
• Establish state-level courts up to the Court of Appeal
• Limit the Supreme Court to constitutional and interstate matters
• Create specialized courts for electoral, corruption, and terrorism cases
• Electoral Reforms
• Hold all elections on a single day
• Mandate electronic transmission of results and BVAS use
• Legalize independent candidacy
• Penalize party-switching by elected officials
• Security
• Introduce state police and community-based border security
• Ensure regional rotation of security leadership appointments
• Socio-Economic Rights
• Strengthen constitutional guarantees for education, employment, gender equity, and protection of vulnerable groups
• Enable voting rights for over 15 million Nigerians in the diaspora

Voices & Leadership

The summit featured powerful contributions from former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, and other national icons. It was chaired by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, with support from Senators Aminu Tambuwal and Gbenga Daniel.

What’s Next?

The summit didn’t draft a new constitution directly, it laid out a clear roadmap for doing so. The final communique urges the National Assembly to establish a Constituent Assembly and begin the process of constitutional overhaul.

This summit could be a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The National Constitutional Summit of 2025 didn’t emerge in a vacuum, it’s the result of over a century of constitutional evolution, political struggle, and public dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s governance structure. Let’s trace the key historical milestones that paved the way:

Colonial Foundations (1914–1960)

• 1914 Amalgamation: Lord Lugard merged the Northern and Southern Protectorates, creating Nigeria as a single entity under British rule.
• Clifford Constitution (1922): Introduced limited elections, but only in Lagos and Calabar.
• Richards Constitution (1946): Divided Nigeria into three regions, North, East, and West, laying the groundwork for federalism.
• Macpherson Constitution (1951): Allowed regional legislatures and greater Nigerian participation.
• Lyttleton Constitution (1954): Cemented federalism and regional autonomy, setting the stage for independence.

Post-Independence Struggles (1960–1999)

• 1960 Independence Constitution: Parliamentary system with Queen Elizabeth II as titular head.
• 1963 Republican Constitution: Replaced the monarchy with a Nigerian president.
• Military Coups & Civil War (1966–1970): Disrupted democratic progress and centralized power.
• 1979 Constitution: Introduced the presidential system, but was short-lived due to another coup.
• 1999 Constitution: Enacted by military decree, it remains in force today but is widely criticized for being imposed without public input.

Calls for Reform & Civic Mobilization (2000s–2020s)

• Persistent Criticism of the 1999 Constitution: Many argue it entrenches over-centralization, weakens federalism, and lacks legitimacy.
• National Conferences (2005, 2014): Attempted reforms but lacked implementation.
• Rise of Civil Society & Regional Agitations: Ethnic groups, youth movements, and diaspora communities increasingly demanded restructuring.
• Formation of The Patriots: Led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, this group of elder statesmen pushed for a people-driven constitution.

Why Now?

The 2025 summit was catalyzed by:

• Widespread insecurity and economic hardship
• Youth-led protests (e.g., #EndSARS)
• Growing calls for true federalism and regional autonomy
• Desire to replace the 1999 Constitution with one created by Nigerians, for Nigerians

This summit is the culmination of decades of constitutional frustration and a renewed push for democratic transformation.

How did prominent leaders react to the summit's outcome?

The reactions from Nigeria’s prominent leaders to the National Constitutional Summit were passionate, diverse, and deeply reflective of the country’s political crossroads. Here’s how key figures responded:

Chief Emeka Anyaoku – Summit Chair & Former Commonwealth Secretary-General

• Called the 1999 Constitution “military-imposed and illegitimate.”
• Urged for a new, truly federal constitution crafted by elected Nigerians and ratified via referendum.
• Emphasized that Nigeria’s pluralism demands decentralization and regional autonomy.

Olusegun Obasanjo – Former President

• Acknowledged flaws in the 1999 Constitution but stressed that “the real problem is leadership, not the document.”
• Warned that even a perfect constitution would fail under corrupt or incompetent operators.
• Advocated for ethical governance and accountability over mere legal reform.

Femi Falana (SAN) – Human Rights Lawyer

• Rejected the 1999 Constitution as a “fraudulent military decree.”
• Called for a peaceful revolution and a people-led constitutional process, not elite-driven amendments.
• Criticized the judiciary for undermining electoral reforms like BVAS and electronic voting.

Obong Victor Attah – Former Governor of Akwa Ibom

• Described Nigeria’s current system as “elite authoritarianism.”
• Demanded a return to true federalism, regional control of resources, and a unicameral legislature.
• Warned that failure to restructure could lead to “irreversible fragmentation.”

Regional & Civil Society Groups

• PANDEF: Called for resource control, state policing, and fiscal autonomy.
• Afenifere & Ohaneze Ndigbo: Supported restructuring and adoption of the 2014 National Conference Report.
• Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC): Urged citizens to reclaim sovereignty and hold leaders accountable.

Senator Gbenga Daniel – Summit Co-Chair

• Clarified that the summit didn’t draft a constitution but laid out a clear roadmap for reform.
• Urged the National Assembly to establish a Constituent Assembly to begin the process.

The summit sparked a rare moment of unity among Nigeria’s thought leaders, who—despite differing views—agreed that the status quo is unsustainable.

A people-driven constitution is one crafted through broad public participation, reflecting the diverse aspirations, values, and realities of a nation’s citizens. In Nigeria’s case, it’s a direct response to decades of dissatisfaction with the 1999 Constitution, which many view as imposed by the military and disconnected from the people’s will.

What Makes a Constitution “People-Driven”?

• Inclusive Drafting Process
• Citizens elect delegates to a Constituent Assembly on a non-partisan basis
• Special interest groups (youth, women, ethnic minorities, diaspora) are represented
• Public Consultation
• Town halls, regional forums, and digital platforms gather input nationwide
• Civil society, academia, and traditional institutions contribute ideas
• Referendum-Based Ratification
• Final draft is subjected to a national referendum, not just legislative approval
• Reflects Nigeria’s Diversity
• Recognizes ethnic, religious, and regional pluralism
• Promotes true federalism with devolved powers and resource control

Key Features Proposed for Nigeria’s New Constitution

Reform Area	Proposed Change
Governance Model	Shift to a parliamentary system for cost-efficiency and accountability
Federal Structure	Return to regional autonomy like in the 1963 Constitution4
Security	Establish state police and community-based security units
Elections	All elections held on a single day; electronic transmission mandatory
Legislature	Move to a unicameral legislature to reduce cost
Diaspora Rights	Enable voting rights for Nigerians abroad4

Why It Matters

• Legitimacy: A constitution made by the people fosters trust and national unity
• Efficiency: Decentralized governance allows regions to innovate and grow independently
• Security: Local control over policing can better address community-specific threats
• Equity: Ensures fair representation and access to resources across all regions

This movement is about rewriting Nigeria’s story, from one of imposed governance to one of collective ownership.

The 1963 Republican Constitution marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward full sovereignty and self-governance. It was the country’s first autochthonous constitution, meaning it was crafted and enacted by Nigerians themselves, not imposed by colonial powers.

Key Significance

• End of Monarchical Rule
• Replaced the British monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) as Nigeria’s Head of State with a Nigerian President
• Symbolized Nigeria’s transition from a dominion to a fully independent republic
• Judicial Independence
• Abolished appeals to the British Privy Council
• Made the Supreme Court of Nigeria the highest court of appeal
• Homegrown Legislation
• The constitution was passed by Nigeria’s own federal parliament, not the British Parliament
• Empowered Nigerians to shape their legal and political destiny
• Strengthening Fundamental Rights
• Entrenched citizens’ rights and civil liberties more robustly than previous constitutions
• Political Restructuring
• Increased seats in the legislature to reflect regional diversity
• Created the Mid-Western Region, addressing demands for regional autonomy
• Ceremonial Presidency
• Introduced an elected president as ceremonial Head of State
• Retained the parliamentary system, with the Prime Minister as Head of Government

Merits

• Asserted Nigeria’s constitutional independence
• Fostered national pride and identity
• Allowed for judicial review and checks on executive power4

Limitations

• The president was elected by parliament, not by popular vote
• Parliamentary supremacy led to potential abuse of power
• Encouraged carpet-crossing, where politicians switched parties for personal gain

In essence, the 1963 Republican Constitution was Nigeria’s first real attempt at self-definition—a bold step away from colonial legacies toward a republic governed by Nigerians, for Nigerians.

The 1979 and 1999 Constitutions of Nigeria both adopted a presidential system of government, but they differ significantly in origin, structure, and democratic legitimacy. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

Origin & Legitimacy

• 1979 Constitution
• Drafted by a Constitution Drafting Committee and reviewed by a Constituent Assembly
• Promulgated by the Supreme Military Council under General Olusegun Obasanjo
• Marked the beginning of the Second Republic
• 1999 Constitution
• Drafted under military rule without broad public consultation
• Promulgated by General Abdulsalami Abubakar
• Initiated the Fourth Republic
• Widely criticized for lacking democratic legitimacy

Governance & Structure

Feature	1979 Constitution	1999 Constitution
Presidential Powers	Strong executive powers, including dissolution of National Assembly	More checks and balances on presidential authority
Legislature	Bicameral National Assembly (Senate & House of Reps)	Same structure, but with expanded roles and oversight
Local Government	Recognized but not autonomous	Guaranteed democratically elected councils
Federal Character Principle	Introduced to promote inclusivity	Retained and expanded to more institutions
Fundamental Rights	Present but limited	Expanded and strengthened protections

Legal & Political Innovations

• 1979 Constitution
• Introduced executive presidency combining ceremonial and executive roles
• Fixed four-year tenure with a two-term limit
• Created Code of Conduct Bureau and Public Complaints Commission
• 1999 Constitution
• Codified separation of powers more clearly
• Strengthened judicial independence
• Provided for electoral reforms, though implementation has been uneven

Criticisms

• 1979: Too centralized, expensive, and vulnerable to abuse of impeachment powers
• 1999: Imposed by military decree, fails to reflect Nigeria’s pluralism, and contributes to over-centralization5

In essence, the 1979 Constitution was Nigeria’s first attempt at presidential democracy, while the 1999 Constitution is its longest-lasting, but also the most contested.

 

What are the potential impacts of the 2025 summit on Nigeria?

The 2025 National Constitutional Summit could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s political and social landscape. While it didn’t produce a new constitution outright, it laid down a clear roadmap for transformative change. Here’s how its ripple effects might unfold:

Governance Transformation

• Shift to true federalism: If implemented, Nigeria could move from a centralized system to one where regions enjoy autonomy, similar to the First Republic.
• Cost-effective government: Proposals like a unicameral legislature, capped number of ministries, and streamlined agencies could reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Judicial & Legal Reforms

• Decentralized judiciary: Each region could have its own court hierarchy up to the Court of Appeal, easing case backlogs and improving access to justice.
• Specialized courts: Electoral, corruption, and terrorism cases would be handled by dedicated courts, speeding up trials and boosting public trust.

Electoral Integrity

• Single-day elections: Reduces cost and manipulation, with mandatory use of BVAS and electronic transmission of results.
• Independent candidacy: Opens the political space beyond party structures, encouraging fresh voices.
• Anti-defection laws: Elected officials who switch parties mid-term could lose their seats, promoting accountability.

Security & Stability

• State police: Localized security forces could better address community-specific threats.
• Rotational appointments: Ensures equitable representation in national security leadership, fostering trust across regions.

Diaspora & Inclusion

• Voting rights for Nigerians abroad: Over 15 million diaspora citizens could gain a voice in national decisions.
• Protection for vulnerable groups: Stronger constitutional guarantees for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.

Economic & Social Development

• Reduced corruption: Structural reforms could limit impunity and promote transparency.
• Empowerment initiatives: Constitutional backing for education, employment, and infrastructure could lift millions out of poverty.

Political Legitimacy

• A people-driven constitution, ratified by referendum, would restore public trust and national unity.
• The summit’s inclusive approach, engaging civil society, traditional rulers, youth, and diaspora—sets a precedent for participatory democracy.

If the National Assembly acts on these recommendations, Nigeria could enter a new era of governance that’s more accountable, inclusive, and resilient.

There are several compelling perspectives that could deepen our understanding of the 2025 National Constitutional Summit and its implications for Nigeria’s future. Let’s explore a few that haven’t been fully unpacked yet:

Youth Perspective

• Many young Nigerians feel alienated from political processes despite being the largest demographic.
• The summit’s emphasis on independent candidacy and digital electoral reforms could empower youth-led movements.
• Factoring in youth voices ensures the constitution reflects future-focused priorities like tech, climate, and education.

Diaspora Perspective

• Over 15 million Nigerians abroad contribute significantly through remittances and advocacy.
• Granting them voting rights and representation in the Constituent Assembly could globalize Nigeria’s democratic process.
• Their exposure to other governance models might enrich constitutional debates.

Minority & Marginalized Groups

• Ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ Nigerians often face systemic exclusion.
• A people-driven constitution could enshrine stronger protections and promote inclusive governance.
• Representation in the drafting process is key to avoiding tokenism.

Security Sector Perspective

• The call for state police and border security raises questions about training, accountability, and coordination.
• Security experts might advocate for safeguards to prevent regional abuse or politicization of local forces.

Traditional & Religious Institutions

• These bodies wield significant influence in many communities.
• Their inclusion in constitutional discourse could help bridge modern governance with cultural legitimacy.
• However, balancing their role with secular democratic principles is a delicate task.

Private Sector & Economic Stakeholders

• Business leaders may push for constitutional guarantees around property rights, taxation, and regulatory clarity.
• A streamlined government structure could reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and attract investment.