The All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised organizers of the planned August 1 nationwide protest to drop their demand for President Bola Tinubu to scrap the 1999 Constitution. The party described this demand as unrealistic and impossible to achieve.
According to APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the president alone cannot unilaterally scrap the constitution. He emphasized that constitutional amendments require a four-fifths majority in the National Assembly and two-thirds approval from state assemblies.
Basiru also pointed out the contradiction in demanding the scrapping of the Senate while retaining the House of Representatives, as both chambers were established under the 1999 Constitution. He suggested that those interested in reforming the legislative structure should follow the proper channels and propose amendments to the constitution.
The APC expressed concerns that the protest’s title, #EndBadGovernance, implies a call for revolution rather than peaceful demonstration. The party warned against violence and disruption, urging Nigerians to be aware of the potential consequences.
The protest organizers have listed 15 demands, including constitutional reform, which the APC has addressed in its response. The party’s stance highlights the complexities of constitutional reform and the need for peaceful, lawful, and constructive engagement.