Omoyele Sowore Denounces Nigerian Constitution as Globally Fraudulent Citing Lack of Genuine Public Participation and Legitimacy

Omoyele Sowore slams the Nigerian constitution for lacking public input, calling for revolutionary reforms and a new legal framework ahead of the 2027 elections.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 6:22 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Activist Challenges the Democratic Foundation of the Nigerian State

Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, has launched a scathing critique against the legal bedrock of the nation. During a recent appearance on Channels TV’s Morning Brief, Sowore asserted that the Nigerian constitution stands as one of the most fraudulent legal frameworks in existence today. His primary contention lies in the document’s opening phrase, "We the people," which he describes as a systemic falsehood. According to Sowore, the Nigerian public was entirely excluded from the drafting, approval, and ultimate legitimization of the current statutes, rendering the entire document a projection of military or elite interests rather than a reflection of the popular will.

Absence of Citizen Participation Erodes Constitutional Credibility

The lack of direct input from the Nigerian populace is, in Sowore’s view, a terminal flaw that undermines the very essence of the country's democracy. He maintains that a constitution cannot claim to be a democratic instrument if it was handed down without a national referendum or inclusive assembly. This absence of a "social contract" established through genuine public engagement creates a crisis of legitimacy that affects every level of governance. For Sowore, the document is not a bridge between the state and its people but a barrier that restricts true self determination and accountability, necessitating a complete overhaul rather than incremental amendments.

Revolutionary Reforms Proposed Ahead of the 2027 Electoral Cycle

Looking toward the future political landscape, Sowore has vowed to challenge the established political order through what he terms a revolutionary expansion of the democratic space. He stated that his party is prepared to force open the current system, regardless of the resistance from the political establishment. This approach suggests a departure from traditional campaigning, focusing instead on mobilizing the public to demand structural changes before the next general elections. Sowore emphasized that changing the constitution remains one of his primary objectives, viewing it as the essential first step toward correcting the systemic imbalances that have plagued the Nigerian federation.