Former Head of State Advocates Constitutional Reforms to Deepen Democratic Governance
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), has called for the amendment and removal of military-era decrees embedded in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, stressing that constitutional reforms are necessary to strengthen democratic governance and align the nation’s laws with contemporary realities.
Abdulsalami made the remarks in his newly launched autobiography, Call of Duty, unveiled in Abuja. The former military leader, who oversaw Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy in 1999, acknowledged long-standing concerns that certain military decrees were incorporated into the Constitution before it came into effect.
According to him, while such concerns may be valid, the appropriate response is not to discredit the entire Constitution but to pursue amendments through established democratic processes.
Constitution Should Evolve with Democratic Aspirations
Speaking on the controversy surrounding the 1999 Constitution, Abdulsalami emphasized that no constitution is perfect and that constitutional documents worldwide undergo periodic reviews to reflect the changing needs of society.
He noted that democracy is dynamic and requires continuous legal and institutional reforms to address emerging challenges and aspirations of citizens.
The former Head of State argued that Nigeria now operates under a democratic system, making it possible for lawmakers and stakeholders to amend any provision considered outdated or inconsistent with democratic principles.
Debate Over Military Decrees in the Constitution
For years, critics of the 1999 Constitution have argued that several provisions were inherited directly from military rule.
Among the most debated are the Land Use Act, which places land administration under the authority of state governors, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, which mandates a one-year national service for graduates under the age of 30.
These provisions have remained subjects of public debate, with advocates of constitutional reform calling for a comprehensive review of governance structures, resource control, local government autonomy, and federalism.
However, Abdulsalami maintained that critics have not always presented convincing arguments against some of these provisions.
He also dismissed claims that the Constitution lacks legitimacy because it was not subjected to a national referendum, pointing out that previous Nigerian constitutions, including those often regarded as more acceptable, were similarly not approved through referendums.
Ongoing Constitutional Review by National Assembly
Nigeria’s National Assembly is currently conducting another constitutional review exercise aimed at addressing several contentious issues and modernizing the legal framework of governance.
The Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, has indicated its commitment to completing the review process before the end of 2026.
Since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, the Constitution has undergone multiple amendments. Despite these efforts, many stakeholders continue to advocate for broader reforms that would enhance accountability, improve governance, strengthen institutions, and promote national unity.
Abdulsalami Supports Further Constitutional Amendments
While defending the significance of the 1999 Constitution in sustaining over two decades of uninterrupted democratic rule, Abdulsalami acknowledged the need for further improvements.
He described the Constitution as a living document that must evolve to accommodate changing social, economic, and political realities.
According to him, constitutional amendments should focus on making the document more responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians while preserving the democratic gains achieved since the country’s transition from military rule.
The Future of Constitutional Reform in Nigeria
As discussions on constitutional amendment continue across the country, Abdulsalami’s intervention adds weight to ongoing calls for reform. Political leaders, civil society organizations, legal experts, and citizens are expected to contribute to the debate as lawmakers work toward producing a more inclusive and contemporary constitutional framework.
The outcome of the current review process could significantly shape Nigeria’s democratic future, governance structure, and institutional development for years to come.
In Conclusion, General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s call for the removal or amendment of military-era provisions in the 1999 Constitution highlights the growing demand for constitutional reform in Nigeria. While defending the role of the Constitution in sustaining democratic governance, he supports a democratic process that allows Nigerians to update the nation’s supreme law to reflect modern realities and strengthen democratic institutions.
As the National Assembly advances its constitutional review exercise, expectations remain high that meaningful reforms will emerge to address longstanding concerns and improve governance across the country.