Why Senator Ali Ndume Opposes Federalism for Nigeria in Constitutional Review

Ndume’s Concerns Over Federalism System in Nigeria

During a recent Senate Committee on Constitutional Review retreat in Kano, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, voiced his opposition to the federalism system in Nigeria. He believes that while the system is widely discussed during the constitutional reform process, it does not offer the best governance solution for the country. Highlighting global practices, Ndume pointed out that only 25 out of 195 countries use federalism, indicating that the federalism system in Nigeria might not be as essential as advocates claim.

In his words, “If federalism were a superior system, a larger number of countries would have adopted it.” Instead, Ndume urges a shift in focus towards transparency, justice, and equity—values he says are more critical to Nigeria’s development than debating the federalism system in Nigeria.

Emphasizing Justice Over Federalism

Senator Ndume strongly believes that the federalism system in Nigeria diverts attention from the country’s more pressing issues, particularly the lack of accountability and corruption. He argues that addressing fairness and ensuring justice for citizens is more vital to Nigeria’s progress than restructuring the governance system. “Democracy is about governance for the people. The media and leaders should focus on how we can achieve equity and accountability, rather than pushing for federalism,” Ndume remarked.

He further noted that even in the current system, the President and the legislature are not held fully accountable. Reforming this system, rather than fixating on the federalism system in Nigeria, should be the nation’s priority.

Corruption: A Bigger Challenge

Ndume also stressed that corruption remains Nigeria’s major hurdle. While the federalism system in Nigeria may have its merits, it is not an antidote to corruption. He cited how there are no effective laws in place to combat the deep-rooted issue of corruption. According to him, individuals who embezzle public funds are often celebrated, and the country lacks mechanisms to hold them accountable. “Until we address corruption directly, the discussion on federalism is secondary,” he said.

Reflecting on his past efforts, Ndume recalled his attempt to introduce an anti-corruption law in the National Assembly, which never materialized. This experience, he explained, proves that without confronting issues like corruption, adopting the federalism system in Nigeria would not yield meaningful progress.

Support for Local Government Autonomy

Although Ndume remains critical of federalism, he supports local government autonomy. He argues that empowering local governments can drive development, as they are closer to the people and historically have been involved in building essential infrastructure. However, he cautioned against giving blanket autonomy to all local governments, noting that some may lack the capacity to govern effectively on their own. This balanced view shows that while he may not favor the federalism system in Nigeria, Ndume recognizes the importance of strong local governance.

Conclusion: Federalism vs. Governance Reforms

Senator Ndume’s stance against the federalism system in Nigeria is rooted in his belief that the system is not the solution to the country’s core challenges. For him, issues such as corruption, lack of accountability, and the failure of justice and equity must be addressed first. While federalism may have its place in global governance, Ndume argues that Nigeria should focus on reforming its current system to tackle its more immediate problems before considering such a shift in structure.