Former Minister of Information and ex-President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo, has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s future, cautioning that the nation may disintegrate before the 2027 general elections unless urgent constitutional reforms are undertaken.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch of two books authored by veteran journalist Ike Abonyi in Abuja, Nwodo declared that Nigeria’s present governance framework is far removed from true federalism.
“What we practise today is not federalism,” Nwodo said. “It’s a unitary constitution disguised as federalism.”
He stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to revisit its power structure, advocating for a system that grants regions more control over their resources and internal affairs.
“Let each region manage its resources and development, while contributing taxes for core federal functions like external defence, foreign affairs, customs, and immigration,” he said.
Nwodo didn’t mince words about the consequences of inaction.
“If we head into 2027 without addressing these structural imbalances, there may be no election—and worse still, no country.”
Economic Collapse, Social Frustration
The elder statesman painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s economic state, pointing to crumbling infrastructure, mass unemployment, and declining life expectancy.
“We are bleeding billions annually due to poor infrastructure,” he said. “Life expectancy is now one of the lowest globally. Our youth are unemployed, frustrated, and disillusioned. Something must give.”
Call for Reform: Education, Digital Skills, Agriculture
Nwodo proposed a reform agenda rooted in education, digital literacy, and agricultural development.
“The future lies in education that reflects modern realities. Every Nigerian child must be digitally literate. We must return to agriculture and vocational training as pathways to sustainable growth,” he urged.
Broad Consensus at Book Launch
The event, which brought together political leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives, turned into a forum for renewed advocacy for restructuring. Many attendees echoed Nwodo’s position that bold constitutional reform is critical for Nigeria’s unity and progress