The Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere has renewed calls for restructuring Nigeria and adopting a new Constitution before the 2027 general elections.
Marking Democracy Day on June 12, the group urged the Federal Government to implement the 2014 National Conference recommendations to promote true federalism and reduce centralised power.
Afenifere’s leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, stressed the need for ethnic autonomy, equitable resource control, and a governance system that reflects Nigeria’s diversity.
Afenifere maintained that the over-centralisation of power in the presidency and the country’s dependence on crude oil revenue are unsustainable.
The group called for the devolution of powers and the creation of a system that supports equitable resource control and infrastructural development across regions. It also raised concerns about the country’s growing debt burden, which stands at nearly ₦150 trillion, with recent reports indicating further borrowing requests amounting to $21.5 billion, €2.1 billion, and ¥15 billion.
Afenifere stressed that the current system disproportionately prioritises recurrent expenditure over capital development—an imbalance that undermines long-term growth.
Highlighting the enduring significance of June 12 and the struggle for democratic ideals, Afenifere called on President Bola Tinubu and the political class to commit to a fundamental restructuring of the federation.
According to the Afenifere, Nigeria can and should adopt the new constitution before the 2027 General Elections.
The group also raised concerns over rising national debt and poor infrastructure spending.
