Nigeria needs a constitution authored by Its people, not one Imposed by decree – Afenifere

April 28, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

No political party, individual, can achieve meaningful changes under the present Nigeria constitution, Afenifere has said

The prominent socio-cultural organization, has issued a statement questioning the efficacy of Nigeria’s current constitutional framework in addressing the nation’s myriad challenges.

In a statement signed by the group National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole, the group affirm that no political party, regardless of its determination, can achieve meaningful change within the existing structural arrangement.

“No political party, no matter how determined, can achieve meaningful change within eight years under Nigeria’s present constitutional and structural arrangement,” Afenifere’s statement reads.

“Corruption, poverty, and insecurity are not the disease; they are symptoms, managed at best, but never truly cured.”

The group attributes the nation’s problems to the foundation of its political structure, arguing that without rebuilding it, governance will remain a futile exercise in recycling failure.

“The real sickness lies in the foundation of Nigeria’s political structure. As with any building, the strength of the foundation determines whether it stands or collapses; interior decoration counts for nothing when the base is weak.”

Afenifere advocates for a people-driven constitution, rather than one imposed by decree.

“Nigeria does not merely need reforms or promises; it needs a constitution authored by its people, not one imposed by decree,” the statement emphasizes.

The group cites Thomas Paine’s vision of a living constitution, which embodies the will, consent, and evolving aspirations of citizens.

“A constitution is not the act of a government, but of a people constituting a government; and a government without a constitution is power without right,” Paine’s quote is referenced.

Afenifere criticizes the 1999 constitution, describing it as an act of military government.

“Until Nigeria accepts this fundamental truth, every government, no matter how well-meaning, will merely be rearranging furniture on a ship already sinking beneath the waves.”

The statement concludes by emphasizing the need for a new constitution that truly reflects the will of the Nigerian people.

This call to action underscores the group’s commitment to genuine reform and structural change.