From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Former Minister of Information, John Nwodo has warned about Nigeria’s political future, saying it could face breakup before the 2027 general elections, if constitutional reforms are not implemented.
Speaking at the launch of two books authored by a veteran journalist, Ike Abonyi, in Abuja, Nwodo criticised Nigeria’s current system of government, calling it a “unitary constitution disguised as federalism.”
“What we practice today is not federalism, but a unitary constitution in disguise,” he said during his keynote address.
Nwodo called for the restructuring of the power structure to give regions greater autonomy over their resources and internal governance. According to him, this would help ensure a more equitable and efficient system of government.
“Let each region manage its resources and development, while contributing taxes to fund essential federal responsibilities like external defence, foreign affairs, customs, and immigration,” he proposed.
He warned that if these changes are not made before the 2027 elections, the nation might not survive politically intact.
“If we head into 2027 without addressing these structural imbalances, there may be no election and worse still, no country,” he cautioned.
Highlighting the country’s deteriorating economic conditions, Nwodo pointed to poor infrastructure, youth unemployment and low life expectancy as signs of systemic failure.
“We are bleeding billions annually due to poor infrastructure. Life expectancy is now one of the lowest globally. Our youths are unemployed and frustrated. Something must give,” he said.
Nwodo advocated bold reforms in education, digital skills development and agriculture to tackle unemployment and revive the economy.
“The future lies in education that meets today’s realities. Every Nigerian child should be digitally literate. We must return to agriculture and vocational training,” he urged.
The event was attended by political leaders, academics and civil society representatives, many of whom echoed Nwodo’s message, calling for urgent restructuring as the only viable path to national stability and growth.
