Nigeria may face breakup before the 2027 general elections if sweeping constitutional reforms are not implemented, former Minister of Information and ex-President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, has warned.
Speaking at the launch of two books authored by veteran journalist, Ike Abonyi, in Abuja, Nwodo criticised Nigeria’s current system of government, describing it as a “unitary constitution disguised as federalism.”
According to Nwodo, the country’s survival depends on restructuring its power structure to give regions greater autonomy over their resources and internal governance.
“Let each region manage its resources and development, while contributing taxes to fund essential federal responsibilities like external defense, foreign affairs, customs, and immigration,” he proposed.
Nwodo 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.
He highlighted the country’s deteriorating economic conditions, citing 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 youth are unemployed and frustrated. Something must give,” he said.
To tackle unemployment and revive the economy, Nwodo advocated for bold reforms in education, digital skills development, and agriculture.
“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.
