Wole Olanipekun Urges Suspension of 1999 Constitution Amendment, Calls for People-Driven Charter by 2031.

Legal luminary and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged the National Assembly to halt the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution, describing the existing document as a “military albatross” that continues to hinder Nigeria’s progress.

Olanipekun made the appeal on Monday while delivering Afe Babalola University’s 13th Convocation Lecture in Ado-Ekiti, titled “Nigeria – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Imperative of a Sober and Definitive Recalibration.”

The former Chairman of the Body of Benchers and current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos stressed that Nigeria must chart a new constitutional course anchored on the collective will of its citizens.

“We cannot continue to live by the 1999 Constitution, which haunts us as a military albatross,” Olanipekun said. “Let us borrow a golden leaf from other countries and agree to live together on acceptable terms and conditions.”

He clarified that suspending the amendment process would not breed instability but would instead allow for sober national reflection.

“By suggesting that the National Assembly stay action on any constitutional amendment for now, one is not advocating anomie,” he explained. “Rather, I propose a transition phase, between now and 2031, to reflect on the ills that have plagued our constitutions to date.”

Olanipekun further called for a national referendum to determine Nigeria’s political and constitutional future, insisting that such a process represents the “unfiltered and undiluted voice of the people.”

His comments align with growing public sentiment that the 1999 Constitution, drafted under military rule, lacks genuine popular legitimacy. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue their review process aimed at amending the same document.

Benjamin Kalu Reflects on Nigeria’s 26 Years of Democracy, Calls for Renewed Commitment to Justice and Freedom

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, highlighting both its achievements and ongoing challenges 26 years after the country’s return to civilian rule.

In a video shared by Symfoni TV, Kalu reminisced about the nation’s optimism at the dawn of democracy in 1999, following decades of military dictatorship. He said Nigerians had hoped that the new era would usher in freedom, justice, and prosperity for all citizens.

Speaking during an update on the ongoing constitutional amendment process, Kalu stated that the 1999 Constitution was designed to lay the foundation for a Nigeria where citizens wield real power, rights are protected, and government institutions exist to serve the people.

However, he questioned whether that vision has been fully realized, noting that while progress has been made — including seven peaceful general elections and smooth power transitions between political parties — more work still lies ahead.

Kalu acknowledged that civil society has grown stronger, the media enjoys greater freedom, and the judiciary, despite challenges, continues to assert its independence.

He also emphasized the role of political parties as vital channels for citizen participation, noting that millions of Nigerians continue to cast their votes because they believe in the value of democracy.

“The Constitution of 1999 brought about the return of Nigeria to democratic governance 26 years ago. For a moment, there was great anticipation — we dared to think that a new era of freedom, justice, and prosperity was finally within reach,” Kalu reflected.

Kalu concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain steadfast in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that the ideals envisioned at the beginning of civilian rule continue to guide the nation’s path forward.

Analyst Majeed Dahiru Traces Nigeria’s History of Presidential Power Transfers and Constitutional Loopholes

Public Affairs Analyst Majeed Dahiru has analyzed how Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on presidential power transfers during medical absences evolved through the actions of past leaders—from Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to Muhammadu Buhari—and how they continue to shape governance under Bola Tinubu.

Dahiru recalled that late President Yar’Adua sparked a constitutional crisis when he failed to formally hand over power to then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan during a medical vacation.

“Yar’Adua was sick. The constitution was clear: if you are embarking on medical vacation, hand over to your vice president. For reasons best known to him, he didn’t. It became a big problem until Jonathan was forced by necessity to take over,” Dahiru explained.


This crisis, he said, prompted a constitutional amendment mandating that if a president fails to transmit power within 21 days of absence, the vice president automatically assumes acting powers.

However, Dahiru argued that former President Buhari found a way around the new rule.

“After the first few times Buhari handed over to Osinbajo and Osinbajo took some decisions he didn’t like, what did you see next? Buhari would travel, return on the 20th day, then leave again two days later—resetting the clock,” he said.

He further criticized Buhari for delaying governance by refusing to appoint a cabinet for months, which later led to another amendment requiring presidents to form a cabinet within a specified timeframe.

According to Dahiru, President Tinubu also tested this provision by waiting until the last possible day before submitting his ministerial list.

The analyst concluded that these actions by successive presidents reveal a consistent pattern of bending constitutional provisions to personal convenience, often undermining smooth governance.

4,000 inmates freed as FG pays fines to decongest prisons.

FG records 70% surge in 48-hour e-visa processing

The Federal Government has released more than 4,000 inmates from Correctional Centres across the Country after offsetting fines and compensation for non-violent offenders, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, has said.

Speaking at the Mid-Term Sectoral Performance Retreat of the Ministry and its Agencies on Thursday, the minister said the move was part of efforts to decongest prisons, cut down Government spending on inmate upkeep and give low-risk convicts a second chance at rehabilitation.

While outlining the reforms carried out under his leadership, he declared that the Ministry had dismantled inefficient systems, modernised critical processes and positioned Nigeria’s interior management for greater efficiency, transparency and security.

He emphasised that holding public office was “a call to service” and not just a political appointment. He said the reforms were driven by a “private sector mentality” where efficiency, accountability and legacy matter.

On prison reforms, Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the Ministry secured private sector funding to pay fines for over 4,000 non-violent inmates whose release had been delayed by inability to settle minor penalties.

“This has decongested correctional centres by about 5% and saved government billions of naira in feeding costs”, he added.

He urged States to take advantage of recent Constitutional amendments that moved Correctional Centres to the concurrent list, allowing them to build and manage their own facilities or enter into partnerships with Federal Government.

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Kwankwaso Accuses Tinubu Govt of Neglecting Northern Nigeria.

Former Kano governor and NNPP chieftain, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of marginalising northern Nigeria while concentrating development efforts in the South.

Speaking at the Kano Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the 2025 Constitutional Amendment, Kwankwaso alleged that federal resources are being unfairly allocated to southern projects, leaving roads and infrastructure in the North in disrepair.

He cited the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road as an example of prolonged neglect and urged the Federal Government to ensure a fairer distribution of national resources. Kwankwaso warned that the consequences of underdevelopment in the North—such as insecurity and poverty—could eventually impact the entire country.

The comments come amid growing political interest in Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 election, following his recent meeting with President Tinubu at the Aso Villa.









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2027: Legal landmines threaten opposition’s coalition gamble.

The latest attempt by Nigeria’s divided opposition to rally under a single banner against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election is already showing signs of fragility. What was pitched as a game-changing alliance now appears caught in a web of lawsuits, leadership squabbles, and constitutional loopholes—factors that could unravel the coalition before it even finds its feet.

Last week, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, and former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai stood side by side beneath the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emblem, declaring the opposition’s intent to speak with one voice. It was meant to signal a turning point. However, just days later, cracks began to appear—legally, politically, and procedurally.

What seemed like a strategic consolidation move quickly began to resemble a cautionary tale in political miscalculation. From unresolved lawsuits to internal party feuds, the ADC’s viability as a coalition platform is under heavy fire. And this isn’t just political theatre—it’s a real-time stress test of Nigeria’s electoral frameworks and the perennial dysfunction of its opposition class.

Cracks within the fold
Three major cracks that now threaten to derail the ADC-led coalition effort are a festering leadership crisis within the ADC, legal ambiguities surrounding its use as a coalition umbrella, and conflicting ambitions among its leading figures. Each of these could independently unravel the effort. Together, they amount to a political minefield.

Since losing power in 2015, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other opposition parties like the Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have struggled with internal cohesion. That’s what made the ADC’s emergence as a unifying hub so compelling, until it became clear the party was far from ready.

The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis dating back to 2022, pitting long-standing chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu against Kingsley Ogga, leader of the party’s State Chairmen Forum. Nwosu cites a 2018 constitutional amendment that he claims legitimises his extended tenure. Ogga’s camp, however, insists he has overstayed his mandate and has launched a legal challenge.

That dispute has now entered the courts. Ogga’s faction has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and is seeking injunctions to halt any mergers or alliances until the Supreme Court rules on who leads the party. For a party that was suddenly thrust into the national spotlight, such unresolved baggage could prove fatal.

MURIC Demands Sharia Courts, Friday Public Holiday in Southwest.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for constitutional amendments to establish Sharia courts in all South West states and declare Fridays public holidays for Muslim worship.

The group’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, represented by Dr. Jamiu Busari, made the submission at the South West Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional review. He told the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution that the absence of Sharia courts in the Southwest contradicts the region’s pre-colonial Islamic heritage.

“No Sharia court currently exists in Southwestern Nigeria, where Muslims arguably form the majority,” Akintola said. He demanded the creation of Sharia Courts of Appeal across the zone, including in Edo State, noting that such courts would serve only Muslims and not infringe on the rights of non-Muslims.

Akintola also proposed that Fridays be declared public holidays, arguing that the current weekend system—Saturday and Sunday—favours Christians and marginalises Muslims.

“Thursdays and Fridays were traditional Muslim weekends before colonialism. Saturday was later made a full day to benefit Seventh-Day Adventists under Gen. Gowon,” he said.

He claimed that five of Nigeria’s eight national holidays favour Christians, listing Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year, Good Friday, and Easter Monday. Muslim holidays—Eid-Kabir, Eid Fitr, and Maulud—are fewer, he added, while urging recognition of the Islamic New Year as a national holiday.

Akintola also called for official recognition of Islamic (Nikkah) marriage certificates, saying current practices that exclude them are discriminatory. Echoing MURIC’s position, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) backed the call for Sharia courts and proposed Islamic finance courts to support Muslim economic practices.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Deputy Senate President Sen. Jubrin Barau, assured that all submissions would be reviewed and considered by the National Assembly.