Abuja, Nigeria | July 15, 2025
The debate over Nigeria’s constitutional future has taken center stage once again as prominent constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, calls for a complete overhaul of the 1999 Constitution.
Speaking at a recent national forum, Ozekhome described the current constitution as “illegitimate”, arguing that it has failed to promote national unity, equity, and development. He emphasized that the document, originally drafted under military rule, does not reflect the true will of the Nigerian people.
“We Need a Brand-New Constitution”
According to Ozekhome, Nigeria’s problems—ranging from insecurity to economic stagnation—are rooted in the flawed foundation of the existing legal framework.
“We cannot continue to operate with a constitution that was imposed on us by the military in 1999. It is not a people-driven document. We need a brand-new constitution, crafted by the people, for the people,” he stated.
Criticism of the 1999 Constitution
The current constitution has long been criticized for centralizing too much power at the federal level, stifling state autonomy, and failing to adequately address issues such as:
True federalism
- Resource control and allocation
- Security architecture and regional policing
- Electoral reforms
Ozekhome believes that only a new constitution can solve these long-standing challenges and reset Nigeria on the path to genuine progress.
Mixed Reactions Nationwide
His call has sparked renewed national conversations. While some political leaders and civil society groups have voiced support, others warn that the process of drafting a new constitution could be exploited for political gain or lead to further division.
What’s Next?
As the constitutional debate intensifies, many Nigerians are waiting to see whether the government will respond to these calls for change. Will this lead to a national conference? Or will the push for a new constitution fade away like previous attempts?
One thing is clear: the conversation about Nigeria’s constitutional future is far from over.