Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria’s core democratic challenge lies not in its constitution, but in the conduct of those charged with implementing it.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day national summit on the future of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy in Abuja, Obasanjo argued that leadership failures not legal frameworks are at the heart of the country’s governance woes.
The former president, represented by Olawale Okunniyi, Secretary-General of Eminent Patriots, noted that while the constitution may have imperfections, it is capable of delivering good governance if implemented with integrity and in the public interest.
“The best constitution can be perverted and distorted by the operators, and we have experienced that all over Africa; Nigeria is not exempted,” he said.
Obasanjo emphasised that efforts to reform Nigeria’s democracy must go beyond constitutional amendments and focus on the ethical conduct of political leaders. He warned that no amount of legal tinkering will improve citizens’ welfare if those in power continue to act out of selfish interests.
“No matter what you do to the Nigerian constitution, if the operators… remain unchanged and continue in the same manner, the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians will continue to be sacrificed on the altar of selfishness,” he stated.
According to Obasanjo, constitutions must reflect a nation’s unique history, values, and diversity, but even the most ideal legal documents are only as effective as those who uphold them.
He called for a renewed commitment to accountability, rule of law, and honest leadership, stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends more on the integrity of its officeholders than the letters of its constitution.
“As we reflect on the future of constitutional democracy in Nigeria, let us remember that the document itself is only as good as the people who bring it to life,” he added.
The national summit brought together stakeholders from political, legal, academic, and civil society spheres to review Nigeria’s democratic journey and recommend ways to strengthen constitutional governance.
