Amending Constitution One Million Times Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Problems, Says Ozekhome

 Renowned constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome has argued that amending Nigeria’s Constitution repeatedly will not address the country’s deep-rooted challenges, a stance he articulated during a public lecture on July 11, 2025, in Abuja. 

Ozekhome, a senior advocate with decades of legal experience, contended that the 1999 Constitution, amended eight times since its inception, fails to tackle structural issues like federalism, resource control, and security, regardless of further revisions. He advocated for a complete overhaul through a people-driven process, dismissing incremental changes as superficial.

Ozekhome cited the ongoing debates over state police and fiscal autonomy as evidence of the Constitution’s limitations, noting that past amendments have not curbed corruption or improved governance. His remarks align with calls from civil society for a sovereign national conference, though the National Assembly, which controls amendments, prefers a review process. 

Critics argue his position overlooks practical constraints, such as funding and political will, while supporters see it as a bold call for systemic reform. The lecture, attended by 200 legal experts, has reignited discussions on constitutional reform ahead of the 2027 elections.