Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has voiced his strong opposition to the ongoing push for federalism in Nigeria. During a Senate Committee retreat on Constitutional Review held in Kano, the senator boldly expressed his belief that federalism is not the answer to Nigeria’s governance challenges, urging the country to shift its focus toward better governance, transparency, and justice.
Speaking at the event, Ndume argued that federalism, though often discussed as a potential solution to Nigeria’s complex governance structure, is not necessarily suitable for the country. He pointed out that only 25 out of 195 countries worldwide practice federalism, emphasizing that the system is not as widely adopted as its proponents might claim. “If federalism was truly the best system of governance, you would see more countries embracing it,” Ndume said. He urged Nigerians to reconsider their fixation on federalism and instead examine whether it addresses the deeper issues affecting the nation.
The Senator’s remarks come amid growing calls from various political and regional leaders for Nigeria to embrace a federalist system that grants more autonomy to its states and regions. Proponents argue that federalism could help resolve the tensions that arise from Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and political landscape by decentralizing power. However, Ndume disagrees, believing that the form of government is less important than how that government functions.
Ndume called for a shift in priorities, arguing that debates over constitutional frameworks and systems of governance are distracting the nation from more critical issues that need immediate attention. “The media and citizens should focus on the things that truly matter to the people—transparency, equity, justice, and accountability,” he said. According to him, these values are far more crucial than the specific type of government system in place, and they are what Nigerians want from their leaders.
“Democracy means government of the people, by the people, and for the people, yet decisions in Nigeria often fail to reflect the needs of the people,” Ndume explained. He criticized the fact that in Nigeria, leaders are often perceived as being above the law, a practice that undermines the country’s progress and weakens its governance structures. “The President and the legislature should not be above the law, but unfortunately, that is not the reality in Nigeria today,” Ndume lamented.
The senator went on to highlight the detrimental effects of this perceived immunity, saying that it allows those in power to escape accountability and hinders the country’s development. He described a system where leaders operate with little regard for the law as fundamentally flawed, and suggested that until issues of fairness, justice, and accountability are addressed, no governance system—federalism included—can truly work in Nigeria’s favor.
Ndume expressed frustration with the current state of affairs, noting that while he is a senator and has the platform to speak out, many Nigerians feel powerless. “If I weren’t a senator, nobody would listen to me. Today, when I speak, they say it’s just Ndume talking, but imagine how many Nigerians have no voice at all,” he said. This, he argues, is further proof that the current governance system does not serve the people as it should.
He also pointed out that several countries around the world have succeeded without adopting a federalist system, urging Nigerians to learn from these examples. “Federalism has its advantages and disadvantages. But if you look at countries that have made significant progress, they have their own systems, which are not necessarily federalism, and they have developed without being overly concerned with the type of government system,” Ndume argued.
Rather than focusing on federalism as the solution, Ndume emphasized the need to improve the basics of governance, such as ensuring that leaders are held accountable, justice is served equally, and transparency is upheld in all government dealings. He believes that addressing these issues would do far more to move Nigeria forward than engaging in endless debates over constitutional amendments or governance structures.
In conclusion, Ndume reiterated his belief that good governance, characterized by fairness, justice, and the rule of law, should be Nigeria’s priority. He urged his fellow lawmakers, the media, and the Nigerian public to focus on building a system where these values are upheld, regardless of the form of government in place. “Our main focus should be on transparency, equity, and justice—values that will elevate our country above its current challenges. Only then can we achieve the true potential of our democracy,” Ndume concluded.
Peoplesmind