By Olarinre Salako, Ph.D.
The National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, held from 16th to 17th July 2025, under the leadership of Chief Emeka Anyaoku and convened by The Patriots, offers a bold and commendable blueprint for reimagining Nigeria’s political structure. The resolutions adopted are ambitious, far-reaching, and absolutely necessary to achieve a truly federal democratic and equitable Nigeria. I strongly support the Summit’s call for a people-driven, inclusive Constitution anchored on true federalism, equity, justice, and accountability.
However, I respectfully raise one critical concern—the recommended process for constituting the Constituent Assembly. Specifically, the proposal that the President should sponsor an Executive Bill empowering INEC to organize elections into the Assembly raises serious questions about feasibility, credibility, and alignment with the federal principles the Summit seeks to restore.
Why the INEC-Led Approach Is Problematic
INEC, as currently constituted, is a federal institution with contested credibility in the eyes of many Nigerians. Given the gravity of this historic process, it is essential that the selection of delegates to a Constituent Assembly not be mired in institutional distrust or centralized control. To this end, I offer a constructive alternative grounded in federalist ideals and global best practices.
Proposed Federated, Region-Led Framework
Each of the six geopolitical zones should independently and transparently select 50 delegates to the Constituent Assembly using one or any combination of the following mechanisms, as deemed appropriate by each region:
- Elections conducted by the collective team of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in each geopolitical zone.
- Appointments through multi-stakeholder consensus involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, women, governors and states assemblies members.
- Volunteering by qualified, non-partisan and respected citizens.
This process should be coordinated under the supervision of the Presidency in collaboration with the Council of State, but without direct control or operational involvement by INEC or any central authority.
Rationale for a Regional-Led Process
- Cultural and Structural Sensitivity
Nigeria is a mosaic of diverse histories, traditions, and identities. A one-size-fits-all centralized election process ignores these differences. A region-led method enables contextual legitimacy and cultural resonance in delegate selection.
- Grassroots Engagement and Ownership
Regional actors and institutions are better placed to engage local stakeholders and identify non-partisan, cerebral voices. This ensures broad community buy-in and strengthens the democratic legitimacy of the Assembly.
- Foundation for Federal Thinking
Allowing geopolitical zones to organize their own representation fosters regional consciousness—a crucial psychological and structural step toward developing sub-national constitutions, a key feature of true federalism endorsed by the Summit.
- Restoration of Public Trust
INEC’s recent performance in national elections has eroded public confidence. Allowing each region to define and conduct its own selection process enhances credibility and reduces potential for contestation or manipulation.
- Global Best Practice: The U.S. Example
In the United States, even presidential elections are conducted under state laws, with each state responsible for its own election rules and procedures. This reflects the federalist principle of decentralization, and demonstrates how electoral diversity can coexist with national unity.
Conclusion
If Nigeria must be reborn under a new federal Constitution, the process of its making must reflect the structure it aims to produce. Entrusting each region with the responsibility to select its own delegates to a Constituent Assembly—through inclusive, transparent, and culturally-grounded mechanisms—is a practical and symbolic step toward true federalism.
Let the federating units begin to think and act as true federating entities—collaboratively, responsibly, and with vision.
Dr. Olarinre Salako writes from Texas, USA. He is a multidisciplinary scientist and engineer and a passionate advocate for inclusive democratic reform in Nigeria.