Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, has voiced strong opposition to proposals calling for Nigeria to discard the 1999 Constitution in favor of drafting an entirely new one.
During an interview on Sunrise Daily, a program on Channels Television aired on Friday, Nwoko asserted that the existing constitution remains effective and continues to serve as the foundation for the nation’s governance.
“Personally, I do not subscribe to the idea that we should throw away the current constitution and create an entirely new one,” Nwoko stated. “It’s a workable document, and it has been guiding what we are doing in Nigeria so far.”
Describing the current constitution as a “working document,” the senator emphasized that while it is not flawless, it is still suitable for governance and can be refined through specific amendments to address areas of concern. He argued that the focus should be on revising and strengthening the existing legal framework rather than starting from scratch.
“There cannot be any perfect constitution anywhere in the world,” Nwoko explained. “All you can do is propose amendments and hope that those amendments go through so that whatever the wishes of the people are can be reflected.”
His comments were made amid increasing demands from civil society organizations, legal experts, and some political figures who believe that the challenges facing Nigeria—such as insecurity, economic imbalance, and structural inefficiencies—stem from foundational flaws within the 1999 Constitution. These advocates have called for a complete replacement of the current document to reflect what they see as more equitable and inclusive governance principles.
Despite these calls, Nwoko insists that the current constitutional framework has the capacity to support national development if properly adjusted through legislative processes. He maintains that constructive reforms are more practical and less disruptive than drafting a new constitution altogether.
His perspective adds to the ongoing national debate over whether Nigeria should pursue a new legal framework or work within the current one to implement needed reforms.
What You Should Know
Ned Nwoko is a prominent Nigerian politician and lawyer known for his legislative work and strong advocacy on various national issues.
His defense of the 1999 Constitution reflects a pragmatic stance often shared by lawmakers who favor institutional continuity over radical structural change.
