Afenifere Rejects Constitutional Review, Says Amendments Can’t Fix Nigeria
The Afenifere Group in the United Kingdom and Europe has rejected the ongoing constitutional review by the Nigerian National Assembly, calling instead for an entirely new constitution that embodies true federalism.
The group’s position comes as lawmakers push to meet a December 2025 deadline for the review, which covers issues such as state creation, electoral reform, judiciary overhaul, local government autonomy, state police, and security restructuring.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Secretary of UK Afenifere, Engr. Anthony Ajayi, said the 1999 Constitution—even as amended—was a flawed foundation responsible for Nigeria’s underdevelopment, insecurity, and corruption.
He noted that the document had allowed politicians to exploit loopholes to the detriment of the masses and accused the political class of hiding behind the constitution to perpetrate injustice.
“We have been agitating for the restructuring of Nigeria for years, just like others who have demanded a referendum or national conference,” Ajayi said.
“But Nigeria now needs a constitution that prioritises the people over politicians. We cannot continue to support structures that hinder our development and insult our collective intelligence.”
Ajayi recalled how the Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo used agriculture and capitation tax—not oil revenue—to provide free education to over 800,000 pupils, build roads, farm settlements, industries, the first TV station in Africa, and the then-tallest building in Nigeria, while still contributing 50% of its mineral earnings to the federal government and other regions.
Drawing inspiration from figures like Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Wole Soyinka, and Reuben Fasoranti, the group maintained that a new constitution was necessary to empower citizens, strengthen institutions, promote electoral justice, and foster inclusive development.
Ajayi cited the views of Olawale Okunniyi, who said the 1999 Constitution, drafted during the military era without wide consultation, entrenched a unitary system that suppressed federalism and ignored Nigeria’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
“Nigeria’s ongoing problems—ranging from insecurity and youth unemployment to poor service delivery, weak institutions, and unfair resource control—are rooted in constitutional dysfunction,” he said.
He reiterated Afenifere’s call for Nigerians to demand a new constitution based on true federalism, as once championed by leaders like Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Tafawa Balewa.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
