By Wuraola Oyedokun
Human rights activist and United Kingdom-trained lawyer, Chief Niyi Aborisade, has declared his commitment to strengthening the Oyo State anti-graft agency if elected governor, while also advocating far-reaching reforms to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
In an interview, Aborisade, who is the governorship aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), described the current constitution as a product of military incursion and therefore “partly illegitimate,” but said it could still function effectively if Nigerians were willing to uphold its provisions in good faith.
“The constitution was drawn under a military regime, and that makes it, to some extent, illegal. But it can still work, provided the people are willing to let it work,” he stated.
Aborisade identified sections of the constitution that, in his view, urgently require amendment, particularly those dealing with the status of Abuja in presidential elections and Section 162, which provides for a joint account between state and local governments. He argued that ambiguities in these areas have fueled constitutional crises and must be clarified to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
“The law needs to be amended to give clarity to the status of Abuja during presidential contests. We must also review Section 162 to ensure genuine local government autonomy. It’s like a husband and wife, they may have a joint account but can still maintain their own. That flexibility should be reflected in the law,” he explained.
The human rights lawyer also called for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections across Nigeria, rather than state electoral commissions, which he accused of subverting democracy at the grassroots level.
“Across all states, it’s the same story, there’s no election, only selection. If we truly want local government autonomy, INEC should conduct council elections. Governors have hijacked the councils, depriving them of independence and development,” he said.
Aborisade faulted the claim by former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, that local government autonomy was unrealistic, insisting that the law and several Supreme Court judgments already guarantee it.
He lamented that most lawmakers lack the political will to initiate genuine constitutional reforms, accusing them of prioritizing personal interests over national progress.
“Our lawmakers are not ready for reform. Many of them are only in Abuja to share from the national cake. They’ll only amend the law when it benefits them, not the country,” he remarked.
On the renewed agitation for state creation, Aborisade cautioned that Nigeria’s current economic condition makes the idea unrealistic. According to him, the focus should be on alleviating the suffering of Nigerians and stabilising the economy before considering expansion of the federation.
“The country is too fragile for new states. The fuel price is biting, the exchange rate is frightening, and poverty is deepening. We need to focus on giving comfort to the people, not creating more administrative burdens,” he said.
Aborisade maintained that while the constitution has structural defects, the greater problem lies with Nigerians who fail to uphold its principles.
“The constitution may have problems, but the bigger problem is with us. The law cannot enforce itself; it is the people who enforce it,” he said.
If elected governor, he pledged to use his experience as a lawyer to advance reforms in education, healthcare, and justice, and to ensure accountability through a revitalized Oyo State anti-graft agency.
“As a lawyer who understands the strengths and weaknesses of our laws, I will apply the law to bring positive reforms. I will strengthen the Oyo State anti-graft agency to ensure transparency and justice in governance,” he affirmed.
