Emergency Confab: Eminent Nigerians To Present Stakeholders’ Resolutions, Draft Bill On New Constitution

The stage is set for a landmark national intervention as The PATRIOTS, in partnership with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG), convenes the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy—an emergency constitutional conference scheduled to hold from Tuesday, July 15 to Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Abuja.

Olawale Okunniyi, head of the Summit’s secretariat in a statement signed on Sunday said “this historic gathering is bringing together some of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen, former Presidents, serving and former Governors, national icons, captains of industry, civic leaders, and institutional stakeholders in an urgent effort to lay the foundation for a new, democratic people’s constitution that truly reflects the will, diversity, and aspirations of Nigerians.”

Continuing, he explained that at the heart of the summit is the endorsement and presentation of a Draft Legislative Bill for a New Constitution of Nigeria—a product of nationwide consultations, intellectual rigour, and inclusive political dialogue—set to be submitted to both the Presidency and the National Assembly.

The summit, themed “Actualising a Constitutional Democracy That Works for All in Nigeria,” aims to consolidate ongoing efforts to create a viable, inclusive, and future-ready constitutional framework—moving the country away from the widely criticized and overly centralized 1999 Constitution.

The statement read “the summit is being convened under the leadership of His Excellency, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCON, CFR, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and Chair of The PATRIOTS, a distinguished group of elder statesmen and thought leaders committed to democratic renewal and inclusive governance in Nigeria.

“Eminent Nigerians scheduled to address the summit include Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Wole Soyinka, General T.Y. Danjuma, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, Mallam Tanko Yakasai, General Ike Nwachukwu, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief Mamman Osuman, SAN, Ambassador Godknows Igali, Elder Solomon Asemota, SAN, Obong Victor Attah, Senator Azuta Mbata, Prof. Akin Oyebode, SAN, Comrade Joe Ajaero of the NLC, Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Barrister Femi Falana, SAN, and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, among others.

“Co-chairing the Organising Committee for the summit are His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, and His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Governor of Sokoto State. The Summit Resolutions Committee is led by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

“Together with the NPSG—a coalition of professionals, civic-minded political reformers, and constitutional advocates—the conveners bring unmatched credibility, national reach, and depth of experience to the urgent task of transforming Nigeria’s governance architecture.”

Okunniyi maintained that the 1999 Constitution, enacted in the twilight of military rule without extensive public consultation, has long been faulted for entrenching a unitary system that stifles federalism, undermines local governance, and fails to reflect Nigeria’s multi-ethnic, pluralistic realities.

“From systemic insecurity, mass youth unemployment, and poor public service delivery to weak institutions, inequitable resource control, and economic centralization, many of Nigeria’s persistent challenges are rooted in constitutional dysfunction.

“As global dynamics shift—technologically, economically, environmentally, and geopolitically—Nigeria remains constrained by a rigid and outdated governance system that cannot deliver on the promise of a modern, just, and inclusive society.

“This summit is not just another political jamboree—it is a deliberate and inclusive national call to action. Its principal objective is to forge a new constitution that empowers Nigerians, strengthens institutions, promotes electoral justice, protects minority rights, and enables broad-based development at all levels.

“It promises to be a cross-sectoral, cross-generational, and cross-regional dialogue, drawing from the collective wisdom and aspirations of Nigerians from all walks of life.

“The Summit Joint Secretariat, through its Head, Sir Olawale Okunniyi, has already invited all stakeholders, institutions, political actors, civil society organizations, the media, and the general public to support and participate in the proceedings of this historic summit as Nigeria takes a decisive step towards a more equitable, participatory, and prosperous future,” the statement noted.