Oby Ezekwesili has delivered a scathing critique of the ongoing constitutional amendment by Nigeria’s National Assembly, branding the process a wasteful charade that fails to address the root structural issues of the country. Speaking in Abeokuta on Thursday, August 1, at the 7th Penpushing Media Anniversary Lecture, the former Minister of Education and Senior Economic Advisor at AWEDPI declared that only a completely new constitution could salvage Nigeria’s failing federal structure.
Addressing the theme, “Reworking Nigeria’s Federalism: Perspectives on Restructuring and Fiscal Federalism,” Ezekwesili argued that constitutional tinkering is futile when the entire foundation is faulty. She likened the Nigerian state to a dangerously defective building, warning that continued cosmetic amendments would only delay an inevitable collapse. “You don’t patch a cracked foundation. You rebuild. Nigeria needs a brand new constitution—just, equitable, and rooted in true federalism,” she said.
Ezekwesili emphasized that the growing call for restructuring and devolution of power is no longer just political rhetoric but a survival imperative. “This is no longer a debate for the elites. It is now a matter of life and death for ordinary Nigerians whose lives are suffocated by a broken, centralised system,” she asserted, urging citizens to resist the deceptive optics of constitutional panels and token reforms.
She condemned what she described as the criminal hijack of politics, stating that governance in Nigeria has been reduced to a “gang affair” where the public interest is constantly sidelined. Despite this, she expressed confidence that with citizen pressure and intellectual clarity, a truly people-owned system could emerge. “Good governance is not rocket science. What’s missing is sincerity and structure,” she said.
Ambassador Sarafa Ishola, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, echoed her sentiments, warning that centralisation and political impunity will continue to undermine national cohesion unless Nigeria embraces restructuring as a tool for national rebirth—not a sectional demand. “Accountability, equity, and citizen-driven governance are the pillars of true federalism,” he noted.
Founder of Penpushing Media, Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, earlier reiterated the platform’s commitment to shaping public discourse and promoting media literacy. He said the annual lecture is designed to provoke thoughtful national conversations and reaffirmed the media’s responsibility in deepening democratic values.
The event attracted academics, students, journalists, diplomats, and civic leaders, reinforcing growing national consensus around the urgent need for constitutional overhaul. With mounting pressure from thought leaders like Ezekwesili, the call for a new people-driven constitution appears poised to dominate Nigeria’s political agenda.
