The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the organizers of the planned August 1 nationwide protest to reconsider their demands, particularly the call for President Bola Tinubu to scrap the 1999 Constitution.
According to the APC, such a demand is not only unrealistic but also beyond the powers of the President.
Following a closed-door meeting at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, addressed the media alongside the Forum of APC State Chairmen. The meeting aimed to discuss the details of the proposed protest, which has stirred significant tension and debate in recent weeks.
The clamor for a new constitution has been a longstanding issue in Nigeria, with many leaders and citizens arguing that the 1999 Constitution lacks legitimacy. Prominent figures such as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku have previously voiced their support for drafting a new, people-made constitution.
However, Basiru emphasized that the President cannot unilaterally discard the 1999 Constitution. “The President alone cannot sack the 1999 Constitution. It requires four-fifths of the National Assembly members and two-thirds of the State Assemblies to do so,” he explained. “Even the right of protesters to protest is based on the 1999 Constitution.”
The proposed protest, set to run from August 1 to 15, has gained traction on social media, with hashtags like #EndBadGovernance and #TinubuMustGo trending. Nonetheless, Basiru criticized the protest’s demands as being politically motivated and not suited for street demonstrations.
Among the protestors’ 15 demands is the call to scrap the Senate and make the House of Representatives a part-time body. Basiru pointed out that this would require constitutional amendments, not a complete overhaul. “If you’re talking about amending the 1999 Constitution, there’s an ongoing process for that. Anyone serious about such changes should follow the proper legislative channels,” he stated.
The APC also expressed concern over the protest’s potential for inciting violence. “Calling the protest #EndBadGovernance implies a revolutionary intent, which is not only disruptive but dangerous,” Basiru warned. “Our country does not need violence and chaos, especially at a time when the government is working hard to address various challenges.”
