23.05.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Proposed constitutional amendment to allow President Obasanjo a third term was defeated ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 20150]

"A proposed Constitutional amendment that would have allowed President Obasanjo to remain in office for a third term was defeated in May. However, media speculation that the President was still intent on securing a third term remained widespread."

Document(s): Open document

04.2005 - Source: UK Home Office

Constitution of 1999 causes tensions ("Country Report - April 2005") [#31982],  [ID 14834]

"5.2 An article published by “The Economist” (UK) in February 2005 stated that:

“The new constitution has been a source of tension since its introduction in 1999. Critics of the new constitution claim that it concentrates too much power in the central government, defying the aspirations of many Nigerians for a looser federation. Other areas of contention include the dominance of the federal government in the control of state police and the appointment of judges. By stipulating that at least one cabinet minister must be appointed from each of Nigeria’s 36 states, it is also argued that the constitution hamstrings the president and promotes mediocrity by emphasising origin rather than ability. The problem for the administration is that, while many of these claims are valid, the executive is fearful that changing the current constitution could prove more problematic than living with it.”"

Document(s): Open document

1999 - Source: Nigeria: Law of The Federation of Nigeria

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 [ID 14835]

Document(s): Open document