Nwodo has warned of Nigeria’s possible disintegration before 2027 without urgent restructuring.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former Minister of Information and ex-President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, has issued a strong warning that Nigeria may disintegrate before the 2027 general elections if comprehensive restructuring is not implemented urgently.
Delivering a keynote address titled “How Did We Get Here?” during the launch of two books by veteran journalist Ike Abonyi, Nwodo said Nigeria is operating under a “unitary constitution disguised as federalism,” which he argued is incapable of resolving the country’s deep-rooted structural issues.
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The high-profile event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was attended by several prominent political figures including:
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Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate
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Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, PDP chieftain
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Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State (represented by Emmanuel Agbo, DG of the PDP Governors’ Forum)
“Restructure or Risk Collapse” — Nwodo Sounds Alarm
Nwodo called for an urgent restructuring of Nigeria’s political system, advocating:
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Devolution of powers to sub-national governments
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Resource control by regions
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Full implementation of fiscal federalism
“Nigeria must restructure and give its component units sovereignty over their natural resources, provided they pay royalties or taxes to the Federal Government to fund responsibilities like external defense, foreign missions, customs, and immigration,” Nwodo stated.
He warned that failure to restructure before 2027 could result in some regions boycotting the elections or rejecting the outcomes, risking constitutional breakdown and potential secession.
“If it does not happen, we will have no alternative but to go our separate ways,” he added gravely.
Nigeria’s Socioeconomic Crisis Deepens
Nwodo also highlighted Nigeria’s alarming socioeconomic indicators, citing:
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UN World Population Prospects (2025): Nigeria has the lowest life expectancy globally at 54.8 years
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World Bank data: Nigeria loses over $1 billion annually to poor road infrastructure
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Escalating youth unemployment, deepening poverty, and worsening infrastructure
Secondus: Tinubu Presiding Over Democracy’s Collapse
Also speaking at the event, former PDP National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of leading Nigeria toward democratic and economic collapse.
“We are still far from achieving true democracy. What we have is merely a platform for winning elections,” Secondus said.
“President Tinubu is presiding over the gradual liquidation of Nigeria’s democracy.”
He also decried the ideological vacuum in Nigeria’s political parties, contrasting them with South Africa’s ANC, which he described as a “true institution with ideological consistency.”
Martins Oloja Defends Partisan Journalism
Martins Oloja, former MD of The Guardian, reviewed Abonyi’s books —
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The Bubbles of Nigeria’s Democracy: The Musings of a Nigerian Journalist
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Wadata Wonders: Memoirs of a Partisan Journalist
He praised Abonyi’s openness in embracing his role as a partisan journalist, arguing that it fosters pluralism in democratic discourse.
“Alternative viewpoints are essential. They empower citizens, foster critical thinking, and help build a more inclusive society,” Oloja said.
Obi’s Attendance Sparks Speculation Ahead of 2027
Although Peter Obi did not speak at the event, his presence stirred political speculation about potential realignments or coalitions as the 2027 election approaches.
