ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – A group of elder statesmen and prominent Nigerians under the aegis of The Patriots has raised concerns over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, rising poverty levels, and what it described as the gradual erosion of national values and institutions, warning that urgent structural reforms are needed to prevent further decline ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group made its position known in a communiqué issued after a meeting held at its secretariat in Lagos, where members reviewed the state of the nation and deliberated on emerging political and socio-economic developments ahead of the next general elections.
The communiqué, signed by former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and Secretary-General of the group, Olawale Okunniyi, painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s security situation, condemning the continued killings, kidnappings, and repeated attacks on communities by armed groups across several parts of the country.
The Patriots noted that insecurity has remained persistent in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, while similar threats are increasingly spreading to parts of the South-West, raising further concerns about national stability and cohesion.
The group also expressed worry over the growing number of internally displaced persons across the country, stressing that the crisis has forced many farmers away from their farmlands, thereby worsening food insecurity and economic hardship.
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It urged the federal government to treat insecurity as a national emergency, warning that the crisis now poses serious threats to governance, economic survival, and public safety.
The group further called for the establishment of a special advisory committee to support government efforts in addressing the multiple dimensions of the security challenge.
While acknowledging ongoing economic reforms, The Patriots insisted that poverty remains widespread, especially in rural communities, where millions continue to struggle with rising living costs and limited opportunities.
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the group said about 63 per cent of Nigerians are currently living in multidimensional poverty, describing the figure as alarming and unacceptable.
The communiqué also renewed calls for a new democratic constitution, arguing that the current 1999 Constitution was imposed by the military and no longer reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.
It recalled that this position was strongly reiterated during its national summit in Abuja in July 2024, which brought together youth groups, women’s organisations, and socio-cultural associations from across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
According to the group, many of Nigeria’s recurring political and governance challenges can only be resolved through a people-driven constitution that reflects national consensus.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, The Patriots criticised the lack of ideology in Nigeria’s political parties, warning that it has encouraged frequent defections and weakened democratic accountability.
It argued that political parties have increasingly become platforms for acquiring power rather than vehicles driven by clear principles, policies, and ideology.
The group therefore urged political actors to prioritise issue-based campaigns, cautioning against personal attacks, divisive rhetoric, and inflammatory statements during the election season.
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The Patriots also lamented what it described as the weakening of public institutions and declining leadership standards, urging Nigerians to support only candidates committed to genuine governance reforms and restructuring.
It further warned that the conduct of the 2027 elections would attract significant international attention, given Nigeria’s strategic importance in Africa.
On electoral participation, the group criticised the high cost of politics, noting that expensive nomination forms and other financial barriers have excluded many capable Nigerians from contesting elections.
It said professionals, academics, and young leaders with capacity to contribute to governance are being sidelined due to financial constraints.
The group reiterated its call for sweeping electoral reforms, including support for independent candidacy, to make Nigeria’s democratic space more inclusive and competitive.
It also maintained that only a properly restructured constitutional framework can effectively define the limits and responsibilities of public office holders and help reduce corruption and misgovernance.
The Patriots urged Nigerians to remain engaged in the democratic process and to demand accountability from political leaders at all levels.