Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared that the country’s constitutional challenges are not rooted in the document itself but in those entrusted with its implementation. Speaking at a public event on national development and governance, Obasanjo emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution, while not perfect, is not the primary obstacle to the country’s progress.
The Nigerian Constitution is not our problem. It is those operating it who have failed to uphold its spirit and intent,” Obasanjo said pointedly. “Even the best constitution in the world will fail if the people entrusted with its execution are dishonest, corrupt, or lack the political will.”
The former president, who served both as a military head of state and a two-term civilian president, stated that Nigeria’s leadership class must take responsibility for misgovernance, weak institutions, and widespread public mistrust. He called for a shift in mindset, stronger institutions, and more accountable leadership.
Obasanjo’s comments come amid ongoing national debates about restructuring, constitutional amendments, and the search for a more effective federal system. Many have blamed the constitution for the country’s underdevelopment, citing issues such as over-centralization, unclear power sharing, and lack of autonomy for states.
However, Obasanjo insists that no constitution can work without sincere leadership: “We can amend the constitution a thousand times, but without the right people in office, nothing will change.”
His statement has reignited conversations across political and civil society circles, with some agreeing that leadership failures are central to Nigeria’s woes, while others continue to push for deeper structural reforms to balance power and improve governance.
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