Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has warned that Nigeria risks undermining its democratic future beyond 2026 if citizens continue to tolerate constitutional shortcuts and weaken the institutions meant to safeguard the rule of law.
Chidoka sounded the warning while speaking on “Nigeria, 2026 & Beyond” at a virtual town hall organised by the Africa Leadership Group under its 2026 Special Edition of the Nigeria Leadership Series (NLS). The session was hosted by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo.
At the heart of Chidoka’s message was a call for Nigerians to actively defend constitutional governance rather than personalise power or excuse illegality for political convenience.
“This country and every part of it shall not be governed in any manner except as prescribed by the Constitution,” he said. “Once we abandon that principle, we abandon democracy itself.”
He criticised the practice of appointing sole administrators under states of emergency, noting that the 1999 Constitution deliberately removed such provisions to prevent a repeat of abuses witnessed in the First Republic.
“The framers of the 1979 Constitution learned from 1963. That is why there is no provision for a sole administrator in our current constitutional framework,” Chidoka explained.
Using international comparisons, he contrasted Nigeria’s experience with Israel, where he said institutions have shown the capacity to hold even the most powerful officials accountable.
“You have a sitting prime minister under investigation for corruption, and the police are warning him not to obstruct justice. That is what it means for institutions to work,” he said.
Chidoka lamented what he described as Nigeria’s “culture of selective outrage,” where constitutional violations are defended or condemned based on ethnic or political affiliation.
“If it is my person, I defend it. If it is your person, I condemn it. In the end, Nigerians are the ones who suffer,” he said.
Beyond governance, Chidoka addressed Nigeria’s development paradox, arguing that the country thrives in spaces where government interference is limited but struggles where policy inconsistency prevails.
“In technology, music, films and entrepreneurship, Nigerians are succeeding globally because government is not an inhibitor,” he noted, citing Nigerian-founded firms and creative industries with international reach.
He also raised concerns about economic policy choices, warning that excessive reliance on imports—particularly of staple foods—undermines local production and long-term food security.
“When we import rice and corn to control prices, we destroy incentives for local farmers,” Chidoka said, urging targeted subsidies and long-term planning to support agriculture ahead of 2026.
Despite his criticisms, Chidoka expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, describing the country’s youthful population and cultural influence as unmatched on the continent.
“I am a Nigerian optimist. Once government shows restraint, builds systems and enables citizens, Nigeria will unlock its full potential,” he said.
The town hall ended with a robust question-and-answer session, as participants engaged the former minister on leadership accountability, constitutional reform and the role of citizens in shaping Nigeria’s democratic and economic trajectory beyond 2026.
