Nigeria currently under elite authoritarianism not democracy – Victor Attah
* As OBJ, Anyaoku others push for new constitution
By Steve Oko
Elder statesman and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, has decried the current political system in Nigeria, calling it “elite authoritarianism” rather than true democracy.
Attah who spoke July 16, at the beginning of a three -day constitutional summit in Abuja, argued that the 1999 Constitution was “not a people’s document but a military decree that has fostered systemic impunity.”
He said:“We run a democracy where elections are not decided by ballots but by undemocratic means. Power flows from party barons, not the people. This is not democracy. It’s elite authoritarianism”.
Meanwhile, eminent personalities including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Secretary General of the Common Wealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd.), among other patriots were among the drivers of the national constitutional summit.
The summit was also attended by leaders of regional bodies and socio-cultural organisations including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan Niger Delta Development Forum, PANDEF, who made presentations at the gathering.
Other patriots at the summit included General Ike Nwachukwu, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Pat Utomi, and Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN).
Human Rights Activist, Femi Falana (SAN), Dr Kayode Fayemi, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Chief Wole Olanipekun, and many distinguished Nigerians were also present at the summit themed: “Actualising a Constitutional Democracy That Works for All in Nigeria”.
The coalition also comprised political leaders, civil society advocates, and the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Various speakers at the summit called for a new constitution that reflects Nigeria’s pluralism and addresses deep-rooted issues of governance, equity, and national unity.
The call for a brand new constitution was the focal point of the summit organised by The Patriots in synergy with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG).
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and
Speaking at the opening session, former Common Wealth Scribe and Chairman of The Patriots, Chief Anyaoku, described the 1999 Constitution as “a military-imposed document that has failed to deliver a true federal system or inspire a sense of shared ownership among Nigerians.”
Stressing the need for a people’s constitution, Anyaoku argued that Nigeria’s “pluralistic nature requires a constitution made by the people, through elected representatives, and ratified by referendum.”
He said:“Our present 1999 Constitution was imposed by the military and not democratically formulated. It induces excessive administrative costs and weakens development. Nigeria needs a credible, truly federal constitution formulated by its people,” Anyaoku declared.
The elder statesman decried widespread insecurity, economic hardship, and the erosion of national unity, insisting that “the current 36-state structure cannot replicate the early successes of Nigeria’s post-independence federalism.”
In his submission, former President Obasanjo, concored on the need for constitutional reform but said that Nigeria’s major obstacle “is the operators of the Constitution.”
The former President said “no constitution—no matter how perfect—will yield positive results if implemented by corrupt or incompetent leaders.”
“No matter what you do to the Nigerian Constitution, if the operators remain the same, the welfare of Nigerians will continue to suffer. The real issue is the failure of leadership, not just the flaws of the Constitution,” Obasanjo stated.
In a remark, Co-Chairman of the Organizing Committee and former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, described the 1999 Constitution as “consistently inadequate” in addressing governance, inclusion, and cohesion. He emphasized the importance of a citizen-driven constitutional intervention to rebuild public trust.
In its submission, the pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohaneze Ndigbo, represented by its Deputy National President, Chief Okey Nwadinobi, called for the creation of long-agreed parity state for the South East geo-political zone to correct structural imbalance in the country.
Ohanaeze also advocated state police, arguing that the federal security apparatus has been overstretched.
Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), in its submission through its Chairman Ambassador Godknows Igali, recommended a return to the principles of the 1963 Constitution.
PANDEF also advocated resource control, state policing, rotational presidency, a unicameral legislature, and increased derivation to producing states.
“The 1999 Constitution contains several flaws. We need a workable Constitution, freely negotiated under democratic conditions,” PANDEF emphasized, calling for decentralization of power and fiscal autonomy for federating units.
Similarly, Afenifere, represented by Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Chief Femi Okurounmu, empathized the need for a balanced federal structure.
Afenifere also backed the adoption of the 2014 National Conference Report as a working document.
Contributing, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represented by Benson Upah, argued that “Nigeria’s sovereignty and collective wellbeing are too important to be left solely in the hands of politicians.”
NLC called for self-reflection among citizens and leaders alike.
Other speakers were Ambassador the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, represented by Ambassador O Awolowo Dosumu, who called for urgent action on the outcomes of the summit, emphasizing that “federalism—once embraced by Nigeria’s founding fathers—remains the most suitable path to unity and prosperity.”
“As Chief Awolowo once said, only a federal constitution can foster unity with concord. This summit must be a turning point”.
Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, criticised the current political system, calling it “elite authoritarianism” rather than true democracy.
According to him, the 1999 Constitution was not a people’s document but a military decree that has fostered systemic impunity.
He, therefore, warned that:“We run a democracy where elections are not decided by ballots but by undemocratic means. Power flows from party barons, not the people. This is not democracy. It’s elite authoritarianism”
Expectations are high that the three-day summit would come up with far-reaching recommendations for a new constitutional order that will reset Nigeria and foster peace, unity, equity and progress.
About The Author
More Stories
Obident Movement counters purported postponement of Umunneochi collegiate c’ttee inauguration
Trouble for ex-AGF Malami, 5 Nigerian jurists as Igbo groups petition Trump over their roles in Kanu’s ordeal
Anxiety as Canada declares Nigeria’s APC, PDP terror organisations