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In what is set to be a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, a distinguished gathering of national leaders, elder statesmen, and stakeholders will converge in Abuja for an Emergency National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy.

The summit, jointly convened by The PATRIOTS and the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG), will hold from Tuesday, July 15 to Thursday, July 17, 2025.

According to a statement signed by Olawale Okunniyi, Head of the Summit Joint Secretariat, the high-level gathering will present to the Presidency and National Assembly a Draft Legislative Bill for a New Constitution of Nigeria. The proposed document is the outcome of extensive nationwide consultations and reflects the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.

Themed “Actualising a Constitutional Democracy That Works for All in Nigeria,” the summit seeks to move the nation beyond the constraints of the 1999 Constitution—widely criticized for being overly centralized and lacking in popular legitimacy. It will feature deliberations on building a people-driven, federal, and inclusive governance framework capable of addressing the country’s persistent structural challenges.

The event is being spearheaded by former Commonwealth Secretary-General and Chair of The PATRIOTS, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCON, CFR, who will lead other eminent Nigerians including 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, and Comrade Joe Ajaero.

Others expected to speak include Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Barrister Femi Falana, SAN, Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, Prof. Akin Oyebode, SAN, and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser.

The Organising Committee is co-chaired by two former governors: Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun State) and Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto State), while the Summit Resolutions Committee is led by constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

The 1999 Constitution, enacted at the end of military rule, has long been faulted for entrenching a unitary system that weakens federalism, undermines local autonomy, and fails to accommodate Nigeria’s multi-ethnic structure. The summit is positioned as a bold and inclusive initiative to address these deep-rooted constitutional and governance flaws.

With a diverse lineup of participants including professionals, civil society actors, traditional institutions, and youth representatives, the summit promises to be a cross-sectoral and cross-generational platform for charting a new democratic path.

The organisers have called on Nigerians from all walks of life—especially political actors, civil society, the media, and development partners—to actively support and engage with this historic effort to renew the Nigerian state through a people’s constitution.