Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 17, 2025
The Need for a National Political Reform Conference (Part 1), by Afe Babalola
Legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has made renewed calls for the convocation of a National Political Reform Conference, arguing that Nigeria’s existing constitutional and political framework—rooted in the 1999 Constitution—fails to fully represent the aspirations of its over 200 ethnic and cultural groups.[1]
Key Points from Afe Babalola’s Argument
• Definition of “Country” vs “Nation”: Babalola begins by distinguishing between a “country” (which implies territory and governance) and a “nation” (which requires deeper commonality like culture, tradition, and shared identity). He suggests that Nigeria, as presently constituted, operates as a “country” but not fully as a “nation,” given its diversity and how some groups feel under‑represented.[1]
• - The 1999 Constitution’s Military Origins: He notes that the 1999 Constitution was bequeathed by the military and argues it was not sufficiently shaped by democratic or popular input to reflect Nigeria’s multi‑ethnic and multi‑cultural reality. Many Nigerians believe it doesn’t adequately serve the interest of all citizens.[1]
• Past Attempts at Reform: Babalola references Nigeria’s previous constitutional and reform efforts, such as the National Political Reform Conference (2005), the 2014 National Conference, and other constitutional conferences under past administrations. He highlights that while many recommendations came out of these conferences, implementation has often lagged or fallen short.[2]
• Need for a Referendum: One of the more forceful positions in his piece is that the recommendations of these past conferences must be subjected to a national referendum. Babalola argues that only through direct consent of the people via referendum can the legitimacy of constitutional changes be assured.[3]
Why This Matters
• Citizens of minority groups or less‑powerful regions often feel excluded or marginalized under the status quo. The sense is that the current system distributes power too heavily toward the central government.[4]- The lack of implementation of prior conference recommendations breeds distrust in institutions and slows progress towards political stability, social cohesion, and equitable governance.[2]
If you like, I can prepare Part 2 of this summary or pull direct quotes you might use for your article. Do you want that?
Citations:
1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/the-need-for-national-political-reform-conference-1-by-afe-babalola/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2023/10/nigeria-restructure-or-reconfigure-7-by-afe-babalola/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. ThemeForest: www.abuad.edu.ng/report-of-national-conference-need-for-a-referendum-2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. ThemeForest: www.abuad.edu.ng/sovereign-national-conference-now-and-not-amendment-to-1999-constitution/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
About The Author
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
