A BINOCULAR OVERVIEW OF LEGITIMACY ISSUES IN THE NIGERIAN 1999 CONSTITUTION BETWEEN 1999–2025

Abstract

This paper provides a critique assessment of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 over its first twenty-six years (1999–2025). Despite sustaining Nigeria's longest period of uninterrupted democracy, the document remains deeply controversial due to an inherent crisis of legitimacy stemming from its military promulgation. This paper examines the document’s origins and its evolution through five successful "Alteration Acts" and an ongoing Sixth Alteration process. The paper analyzes the persistent structural deficiencies to achieving true federalism, particularly issues bothering on its legitimacy among other contemporary ones. The paper adopts doctrinal methodology and concludes that while incremental amendments have addressed peripheral issues, a fundamental holistic review or a new "people-led" constitution is required to ensure long-term stability and justice. The paper made recommended that Nigeria should move away from "piecemeal" amendments toward a national referendum to adopt a new, truly people-driven constitution with a holistic approach and inclusive approach.

Keywords: 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, Evolution, Legitimacy, Structural Deficiencies, Judicial Interventions