Anifowose Samson
Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has called for the comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s political and economic systems ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Thursday at the June 12 Annual Democracy Day National Dialogue in Ikeja, Utomi emphasised that without restructuring, Nigeria’s democracy would remain weak and misaligned with the ideals of its founding pro-democracy activists.
The dialogue, organized by the June 12 Pro-Democracy Movement of Nigeria, was themed “Democracy Without a Democratic Constitution: Which Way for Nigeria?” and attracted various thought leaders and activists.
Utomi stressed the urgent need to correct the flaws in the 1999 Constitution, which he described as “unworkable,” asserting that it undermines true democratic governance.
He said, “The agitation for total restructuring through will stabilize and advance democracy in the country. This is because the present democracy is not the type of democracy Chief Abiola sacrificed his life for.”
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed the longstanding demands of regional and ethnic organizations like Afenifere and Ohanaeze, noting that such action would restore faith in leadership and build national unity.
According to Utomi, embracing restructuring would deepen Nigeria’s democratic experience and promote justice and equity.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against threats to democratic institutions and to defend the democratic process at all costs.
“We must guard democracy jealously,” he said, warning against complacency in the face of increasing anti-democratic tendencies.
