Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has renewed its call for the restructuring of Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference as a foundation for true federalism.
The group argued that the current “winner-takes-all” system has deepened inequality and stifled national development.
In a statement marking June 12 Democracy Day, Afenifere’s leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, emphasised that Nigeria’s diverse composition—with over 374 ethnic nationalities—requires a governance structure that promotes autonomy and self-determination.
He said restructuring would address ethnic tensions and foster a genuine sense of belonging among all citizens.
“The problem lies in how to weave nationhood from our diverse nationalities.
“Every group must feel legitimately represented in the country’s political and economic arrangements,” Olaitan noted.
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.
The group also raised concerns about the country’s growing debt burden, which stands at nearly N150 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 group, Nigeria can and should adopt a new constitution before the 2027 General Elections.
“India has over 2,000 ethnic groups, yet it has remained united since 1947. Nigeria must stop seeing its diversity as an albatross and instead embrace it through a restructured, truly federal constitution,” Afenifere stated.
The group concluded by urging Nigerians to unite in pressuring the political leadership to implement genuine reforms.
“We must reinvent a federal Nigeria based on mutually agreed principles. That is the true spirit of June 12,” the group said.
MKO Abiola’s family wants June 12 institutionalised by legislation
In a related development, the family of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, has called on President Tinubu to enact legislation that permanently institutionalized June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Hameen Abiola, one of MKO Abiola’s sons, made the appeal on Thursday during the Ogun State Government’s annual visit to the family house at Oja-Agbo, Abeokuta.
The delegation, led by Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, joined the family, friends, and associates for an Islamic prayer session in honour of the late statesman.
Hameen Abiola stressed that formal legislation is the only way to ensure that future generations do not erase the memory of June 12 or undermine the historic sacrifice made by MKO Abiola for Nigeria’s democracy.
“We appreciate the Federal Government for the honour given to our father, who is not just our father but a father to many Nigerians, given the supreme price he paid for the democracy we enjoy today,” he said.
He acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for posthumously awarding MKO Abiola the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, but emphasized that more should be done.
“It is our passionate appeal that a law be passed to ensure June 12 is permanently recognised as Democracy Day. Future generations who may not fully understand the sacrifice our father made could otherwise abolish it. A permanent legal framework is necessary,” Hameen said.
He further noted that many young Nigerians today may not fully grasp the significance of the June 12 struggle, making it essential for the Federal Government and National Assembly to act swiftly to preserve the legacy.
“It is our hope that this administration will take decisive steps to ensure June 12 remains etched in Nigeria’s democratic history forever,” he concluded.