Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again asserted that the fundamental problems plaguing Nigeria are rooted in the failure of its political operators, rather than inherent flaws within the nation’s constitution itself. He reiterated this long-held stance in a letter delivered on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy in Abuja.

In his address to the summit, chaired by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Obasanjo emphasized that while the constitution serves as the foundational legal framework embodying a nation’s history and aspirations, its ultimate effectiveness hinges on the integrity and competence of those entrusted with its implementation.

“The true challenge does not lie in the constitution, but with the people tasked with enforcing and operating it,” Obasanjo stated, drawing from his extensive experience in Nigeria’s political landscape. “No matter how strong or flawed a constitution may be, the most important factor, based on my perspective and experience, is the individuals responsible for implementing it.”

He acknowledged that no constitution is entirely flawless and that certain sections of Nigeria’s grundnorm might warrant revision. However, he stressed that such reforms would only yield desired results if the nation’s leadership embraces good governance. He warned that “even the strongest constitution can be twisted or abused by those in charge of enforcing it.”

The elder statesman voiced profound concern about leaders who prioritize self-interest, corruption, and lawlessness over the welfare of citizens. “Regardless of any changes made to Nigeria’s constitution, if the people operating it over the last fifteen years continue in the same selfish, corrupt, and lawless manner, the welfare of Nigerians will continue to suffer,” he cautioned.

Obasanjo maintained that the current focus must unequivocally be on the quality of individuals managing the constitutional framework. He posited that with the right leadership in place, genuine constitutional reforms that truly reflect the needs of all Nigerians and foster a sense of belonging would naturally follow.

This consistent commentary from the former president underscores an ongoing national debate about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s governance system, often contrasting structural issues with human agency. Obasanjo’s latest intervention reiterates his call for a shift in emphasis from amending the legal document to urgently addressing the character and commitment of those who wield political power.