Story written by springnewsng (July 16, 2025):
Abuja, Nigeria — July 16, 2025 – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that Nigeria’s core problem lies in poor leadership rather than flaws in the constitution. He made this position clear in a letter presented during the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constituhttp://Former President Olusegun Obasanjotional Democracy, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

In his message, which was addressed to Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chairman of the National Summit, Obasanjo stated that regardless of how robust or imperfect a constitution may be, the true determinant of its effectiveness is the quality of the people implementing it.

“The main issue is not the constitution but those who operate and enforce it,” Obasanjo noted, emphasizing that effective leadership is central to delivering meaningful constitutional governance and national development.

According to the former President, while some areas of Nigeria’s constitution may require review, no legal framework is perfect. What matters most, he said, is the character and integrity of the leaders tasked with interpreting and applying the law.

Obasanjo warned that even the best-written constitution can be manipulated by corrupt and self-serving officials. He maintained that continued poor governance, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law will only worsen the suffering of Nigerians, regardless of any constitutional amendments.

“At this critical juncture in our national life, we must prioritize the quality of those managing the constitution,” he said. “If we get the right people into leadership positions, they will initiate reforms that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians.”

He further urged Nigerians to focus on electing leaders with integrity and vision, capable of fostering good governance, national unity, and inclusive development.

Related: Obasanjo: Nigeria’s Economic Progress Has Stalled

This statement adds to Obasanjo’s ongoing call for reform in Nigeria’s leadership structure, underlining that governance — not just legal documents — is key to national transformation.