PDP Chieftain: Tinubu’s Reforms Superficial, Nigeria Needs New Constitution to End Hardship

A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adetokunbo Pearse, has intensified criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that the administration’s assurances and economic strategies are merely “playing games” with the Nigerian populace, and that real progress is impossible without scrapping the restrictive 1999 Constitution.

Dependable NG reports that speaking during an interview on Arise News to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Pearse condemned President Tinubu’s recent statement that “the worst is over” amid severe economic hardship. He labeled the remark as “reckless and irresponsible,” arguing it ignores the harsh realities facing everyday Nigerians.

“Tinubu is playing games with Nigerians, telling us everything will be okay tomorrow. We have been hearing that for a long time, but things are only getting worse. We are not solving our problems,” the PDP chieftain stated. He asserted that President Tinubu’s efforts to rebuild the nation are doomed to fail unless he decisively addresses the fundamental issue of the country’s legal framework. He described the 1999 Constitution as an “illegitimate” and “military-imposed document” that has actively prevented national development.

He elaborated that the constitution is a “fabrication of the military” that has stifled economic growth for over 26 years. This document, he argued, concentrates excessive power in the Federal Government, making it impossible for states to develop their local resources. “The 1999 Constitution is a fabrication of the military. It does not represent democracy or development,” he said. “For 26 years, it has restrained economic growth and left states unable to develop their resources.”

The PDP chieftain called on the Federal Government to bypass the need for a new, expensive national conference and instead summon the political will to implement the existing recommendations of the 2014 National Conference. “We must devolve power to the states. Let them develop their human and material resources without begging the federal government for permission,” Pearse insisted, linking the centralization of resource control to the country’s weak economy. He noted that the exclusive list, which retains control of all major minerals in Abuja, is why the economy is struggling.

Furthermore, Dr. Pearse expressed grave concern over the worsening security crisis, suggesting that the nation is perilously “drifting into a failed state.” He attributed this vulnerability to the current structure, which prevents the establishment of state police. Pearse concluded that true independence and meaningful progress will only be achieved when Nigeria adopts a system that grants states genuine autonomy, thereby ending what he termed a disguised military rule.