Vote only for pro-restructuring parties in 2027, Anyaoku-led group urges Nigerians

A non-partisan group of prominent Nigerians, known as the Patriots and chaired by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, called on citizens to vote only for political parties with clear commitments to restructuring Nigeria’s governance system in the 2027 elections. The group cited escalating insecurity—including killings, kidnappings, and bandit attacks across the Northeast, Northwest, North Central, and parts of the Southwest—as evidence that the current system is failing. Their communiqué described the violence as a 'national protection, governance, and economic survival crisis,' urging the Federal Government to establish a special committee to address its impact. The Patriots argued that lasting stability requires replacing the 1999 Constitution, which they called undemocratic and imposed by a military regime, with a new constitution drafted by an elected, non-partisan assembly. They emphasized that structural reforms, including clearer leadership responsibilities, are essential to curb corruption and misgovernance. Chief Anyaoku dismissed the idea that a mere change in mindset could suffice, stressing that constitutional reform is fundamental. The group also criticized Nigeria’s political parties for lacking ideological depth, noting frequent defections among elected officials as proof that parties prioritize power over governance. They framed the 2027 elections as a pivotal moment to redirect the nation’s trajectory by supporting candidates whose manifestos explicitly commit to restructuring. The Patriots’ call marks a strategic shift toward manifesto-based voting, urging Nigerians to prioritize governance reform over short-term political gains.