Pro-democracy group, The Patriots, has called for an urgent engagement with the leadership of the National Assembly (NASS) to push for the creation of a new, people-oriented constitution, rather than continued amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, Secretary-General of the group, Olawale Okunniyi, expressed concern over the National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to amend the current constitution, which he described as a flawed document imposed by the military through Decree 24 in 1999.
Okunniyi acknowledged the widespread enthusiasm among Nigerians especially from the North for constitutional reform, describing it as a clear sign of the people’s desire for a better-functioning nation.
He, however, warned that no amount of amendments can transform the 1999 Constitution into a truly democratic, people-owned document.
“The 1999 Constitution was neither written by the Nigerian people nor adopted through a democratic process. It falsely begins with ‘We the people,’ when in fact, it was imposed by the military,” Okunniyi said.
He emphasized that the legitimacy of any constitution depends on its origin, ownership, and the process of popular ratification—all of which the 1999 Constitution lacks.
The Patriots, which recently organised the Emergency National Constitutional Summit on Nigeria’s future, reiterated the urgent need for a brand-new constitution that reflects the will and aspirations of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
Okunniyi applauded the robust participation of Northern delegates and stakeholders at the summit, including prominent figures such as Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, HE Labaran Maku, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and several others. He noted that their contributions underscored the national consensus for genuine constitutional reform.
According to Okunniyi, continuing to amend what he called a “military decree” will not solve Nigeria’s foundational issues. He urged the National Assembly to initiate formal talks with The Patriots and other concerned stakeholders to begin the process of drafting a new, truly democratic constitution.
“We call on the leadership of the National Assembly to urgently initiate a formal engagement with The Patriots and others, to chart an inclusive path forward. Nigeria cannot afford another lost opportunity,” he said.
Okunniyi reaffirmed the group’s commitment to advancing constitutional democracy, federalism, and national unity, vowing to sustain engagement with stakeholders until a people-driven constitution becomes the bedrock of governance in Nigeria.
