Lagos: Mr Bola Babarinde, former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South Africa Chapter, has urged President Bola Tinubu to initiate a national consensus that will produce a people‑driven constitution for Nigeria, stressing that genuine reforms must reflect the voices and aspirations of citizens rather than elite interests.
Babarinde stated in a press release on Sunday in Lagos that a new constitution was necessary to strengthen the country’s democracy and address the structural weaknesses inherited from military rule.
He noted that the 1999 Constitution was drafted under military supervision and does not fully express the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.
Babarinde said that many aspects of governance still reflect military influence, hindering Nigeria’s transition to a fully democratic system.
“Nigeria must embark on a national consensus and a referendum to produce a truly people‑driven constitution.
“The 1999 Constitution does not reflect the democratic aspirations of Nigerians because it was drafted under military rule.
“Our democracy cannot mature while outdated military structures still shape civilian governance,” he said.
According to him, a new constitution must promote justice, equity and merit if Nigeria is to move forward.
Babarinde added that Nigerians could no longer rely on a document that was never designed by the people it governs.
He cited the use of a presidential aide‑de‑camp as a practice that has no constitutional basis but continues due to military tradition.
According to him, the continued use of such ceremonial roles makes it appear as though Nigeria has not broken away from its past.
Babarinde said that adopting a people-driven constitution would help promote justice, equity, and merit in national affairs.
He said that the reforms should address issues such as resource control and fair taxation to ensure a more balanced federation.
Babarinde also called for the abolition of the quota system, which he said rewards regional considerations over competence.
According to him, leadership opportunities must prioritise meritocracy rather than ethnicity or geopolitical balancing.
He stated that the current rotation of the presidency along ethnic lines limits the chances of the most qualified Nigerians from serving in the presidency.
He said that minority groups remain marginalised under existing political arrangements.
The APC chieftain also urged the Federal Government to conduct a credible, technology‑based national census to replace what he described as unreliable population estimates.
He said that accurate data was necessary for effective planning and equitable resource distribution.
Babarinde referenced the recent confrontation between a naval officer, Lt. Abdullahi Yerima, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as evidence of deeper systemic dysfunction.
He said that the incident reflects a culture where personal ego and authority often overshadow the rule of law.
Babarinde said that such clashes highlight the urgent need to strengthen civil institutions and ensure the military remains entirely professional and apolitical.
He said that the President should symbolically and practically demilitarise governance by reducing military‑linked roles in civil administration.
Babarinde stressed that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on courage, reform and a constitution built on the will of the people rather than relics of its authoritarian past.
