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In a mark of national respect and mourning, the opening ceremony of the much-anticipated National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy—convened by The PATRIOTS in partnership with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG)—has been shifted by one day following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

The summit, originally scheduled to run from Tuesday, July 15 to Thursday, July 17, will now commence on Wednesday, July 16 and conclude on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Abuja.

Announcing the deferment in a statement on Monday, July 14, Chairman of The PATRIOTS and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCON, CFR, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former President and the Awujale, two highly respected national figures.

“The Patriots have received with great sadness the news of the passing of our former President, General Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. Due tributes will be paid to his memory at the opening of the National Constitutional Summit which is now deferred until Wednesday, 16th July, 2025, as a mark of respect to the late President. The Patriots mourn with the country and pray that the Almighty will comfort his family. May his soul rest in peace,” Anyaoku said.

He added that the decision to shift the opening ceremony also acknowledges the current travels of many stakeholders who are heading to Daura, Katsina State, and Ijebu, Ogun State, to attend the burial rites of the late President and monarch respectively. The arrival of summit delegates and participants in Abuja will, however, continue as scheduled on Monday, July 14.

The summit is a landmark national intervention aimed at laying the groundwork for a new, democratic, and inclusive people’s constitution that genuinely reflects the collective will and diversity of Nigerians.

At its core is the endorsement and presentation of a Draft Legislative Bill for a New Constitution of Nigeria—the product of extensive nationwide consultations, civic engagement, and expert analysis—set to be submitted to the Presidency and the National Assembly.

With the theme, “Actualising a Constitutional Democracy That Works for All in Nigeria,” the summit seeks to address the shortcomings of the 1999 Constitution, which many regard as overly centralized and lacking legitimacy, and to chart a course toward a more equitable and federal governance structure.

Among the distinguished Nigerians expected to address the summit are Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Wole Soyinka, General T.Y. Danjuma, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, Mallam Tanko Yakasai, General Ike Nwachukwu, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief Mamman Osuman, SAN, Ambassador Godknows Igali, Elder Solomon Asemota, SAN, Obong Victor Attah, Senator Azuta Mbata, Prof. Akin Oyebode, SAN, Comrade Joe Ajaero, Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Barrister Femi Falana, SAN, and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal serve as Co-Chairmen of the Organising Committee, while the Summit Resolutions Committee is led by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

Together with the NPSG, a coalition of reform-driven professionals, civic advocates, and constitutional experts, The PATRIOTS are committed to driving the push for a new governance architecture that better responds to Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges—ranging from insecurity and youth unemployment to economic centralization and institutional inefficiency.

The summit promises to be a cross-regional, cross-generational platform for national dialogue and constitutional renewal, drawing on the collective wisdom and aspirations of the Nigerian people.

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