Nigeria needs a ‘peoples’ democratic Constitution’ – Emeka Anyaoku

At a national summit in Abuja organized by The Patriots and the Nigerian Political Summit Group, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, called for a new, inclusive, and democratically formulated constitution for Nigeria.

Anyaoku criticized the 1999 Constitution, stating it was imposed by the military rather than created by representatives elected by the people. According to him, this has led to a governance system that is non-inclusive and wasteful, spending more on administration than on development.

He argued that only a truly democratic constitution—reflecting Nigeria’s diverse and pluralistic nature—can effectively address the country’s many challenges, including insecurity, poverty, poor infrastructure, and disillusionment among youth.

Anyaoku also highlighted key issues to be addressed: the number and powers of federating units, security structures, political party organization, and resource management.