Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that no national constitution can be considered flawless, stressing that the effectiveness of any constitution lies largely in the hands of those who implement it.

In a letter addressed to Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chairman of The Patriots, ahead of a constitutional summit organized by the group, Obasanjo expressed his regrets for being unable to attend due to prior commitments. However, he extended his best wishes for the summit’s success.

“As we discussed over the phone,” Obasanjo wrote, “a nation's constitution must embody its history, its people, and their aspirations. While it should be treated as sacrosanct, no constitution is ever perfect. From my own experience, there are indeed parts of Nigeria’s constitution that require amendment.”

He added that the real issue lies not only in the document itself but in how it is operated.

“The best constitution can be misused by those in power,” Obasanjo warned. “Africa has seen this repeatedly — Nigeria included. I’m more concerned about the individuals who implement the constitution. If the same people who have operated Nigeria’s constitution in the last 15 years remain in charge, acting with selfishness, impunity, and disregard for integrity, then even a perfect constitution will fail.”

The former president called for greater focus on leadership, noting that until responsible, honest, and morally upright individuals are at the helm, constitutional reforms will have limited impact.

“When we get the right people in charge,” he concluded, “they will deliver the kind of constitution that can make every Nigerian proud to be a stakeholder in the country.”

Obasanjo closed the letter by conveying his highest regards to Chief Anyaoku and other members of The Patriots.