Political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to lead the process of total restructuring in Nigeria before the 2027 general elections. He made this call on Thursday during the Annual Democracy Day National Dialogue held in Ikeja, Lagos.
The event, organised by the June 12 Pro-Democracy Movement of Nigeria, focused on the theme “Democracy Without A Democratic Constitution: Which Way for Nigeria?”
Utomi said that Nigeria’s current political and economic system is not working and cannot deliver true democracy. He described the 1999 Constitution as “unworkable” and a major reason the country is struggling to grow democratically.
“This is not the kind of democracy that Chief MKO Abiola died for,” Utomi said, adding that total restructuring would help stabilize and strengthen the country’s democracy.
He also advised President Tinubu to listen to the demands of regional groups like Afenifere and Ohaneze, who have long called for restructuring. “If the president supports true restructuring, he will win the trust of Nigerians,” Utomi added.
He warned Nigerians to protect democracy and be watchful of people working against it.
Also speaking at the event, former Finance Minister Dr Kalu Idika Kalu said he believes Nigeria can still become a better nation. He called for a new constitution that truly reflects the will of the people.
Legal expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr Wahab Shittu, said the 1999 Constitution lacks legitimacy because Nigerians were not allowed to vote on it through a referendum.
“We need a constitution made by the people, not one forced on them,” Shittu said.
The convener of the June 12 Movement, Mr Wale Okunniyi, appealed to President Tinubu to start a process of national dialogue that will lead to a new democratic constitution. He said doing this would fulfill the dream of June 12 activists and honour Nigeria’s democratic heroes.
June 12 is marked every year to remember the 1993 presidential election, believed to be the freest in Nigeria’s history, and Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner who died fighting for the result to be recognized.
