In a bold move aimed at addressing Nigeria’s deepening insecurity and constitutional crisis, a coalition of elder statesmen, legal luminaries, religious leaders, and national icons—under the banner of The Patriots—convened an emergency national constitutional summit in Abuja.
The three-day event, held from July 15 to 17, has drawn prominent figures from across the nation, united in a singular mission: to rescue Nigeria’s democracy and chart a new course for its governance.
Supported by former governors and now senators Aminu Tambuwal and Gbenga Daniel, the summit features high-profile speakers, including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. Religious leaders such as the Sultan of Sokoto and the Emir of Kano are also on the roster, alongside labor leaders, Nobel laureates, and civil society voices.
The summit, according to organizers, is not merely another talk shop. Instead, it aims to produce a Stakeholders Legislative Bill for Constitutional Reform—a concrete document reflecting the consensus of over 700 delegates on ten key constitutional issues. The resulting blueprint is expected to be formally submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for action.
Speaking during a special interview on the sidelines of the summit, Professor Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a key figure within The Patriots, emphasized the urgency of constitutional reform. He described the current 1999 Constitution as “fundamentally flawed” and “unitary in nature,” making it unfit for a diverse, multiethnic, and multi-religious nation like Nigeria.
“Too much power is concentrated at the center,” said Ozekhome. “The federal structure we claim to operate is a façade. True federalism should empower the federating units—allowing them to be productive and self-sustaining.”
He stressed that, unlike the 2014 National Conference—which yielded over 600 recommendations that were largely ignored—this summit will go further by proposing a bill through the National Assembly to initiate a National Referendum Commission. This body would oversee the drafting of a new, people-driven constitution based on the 2014 Confab, the 1963 Republican Constitution, and various legislative amendments to date.
“This is not an attempt to weaken the president’s powers for selfish reasons,” Ozekhome clarified. “Rather, it’s a historic opportunity. If President Tinubu midwives a truly federal, legitimate constitution, he will be remembered more for that than for any road or bridge built.”
The summit also reignites debate over Nigeria’s system of governance. The Patriots are advocating a return to a parliamentary system—citing its cost-effectiveness, accountability, and historic successes under Nigeria’s regional governments pre-1966.
Ozekhome pointed to the wasteful nature of the presidential system, where 70–80% of the national budget goes into recurrent expenses and debt servicing, leaving little for development.
“Decentralizing power will spur regional development, reduce insecurity, and eliminate the desperation that drives everyone to Abuja,” he said. “Regions must have the autonomy to manage their resources and set their developmental agenda.”
Asked whether constitutional reform can truly fix Nigeria’s problems—such as poverty, insecurity, and injustice—Ozekhome was emphatic: “Yes. You can’t patch a collapsing building by fixing cracks. You uproot the foundation and build anew. That’s what this summit is about.” He expressed confidence that President Tinubu, known for his pro-democracy stance during the military era, will embrace the process.
“This is about legacy,” Ozekhome declared. “And there’s no greater legacy than giving Nigeria a constitution that is truly for the people, by the people.”
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, is also playing a leading role in driving the initiative. “What more does he need at his age?” Ozekhome asked. “He knows things are wrong—and, like the rest of us, he is committed to making them right.”
As Nigeria stands at this critical juncture, the Patriots have thrown down the gauntlet. Will the political leadership rise to the occasion? The answer, perhaps, lies not just in speeches, but in bold action.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
A coalition of Nigerian elder statesmen called “The Patriots” held an emergency constitutional summit (July 15-17) demanding a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Led by figures like Professor Mike Ozekhome and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, they argue the current constitution is fundamentally flawed and too centralized for Nigeria’s diverse population.
Unlike previous failed reform attempts, this group plans to bypass traditional channels by proposing legislation for a National Referendum Commission that would draft an entirely new constitution based on public input. They’re advocating for true federalism, a return to a parliamentary system, and decentralized power to reduce insecurity and regional competition for federal resources.
This represents the most serious constitutional reform push in years, with the group preparing to formally present their proposals to President Tinubu and the National Assembly—potentially Nigeria’s last chance to restructure its governance before a deeper crisis.
