Prominent Nigerians Critique Political Crisis in Nigeria

On June 8, 2026, a group of prominent northern Nigerians, signing as "Concerned Citizens," issued a statement critiquing Nigeria's current political and security conditions. The signatories included Dr.

Husseini Abdu, Ambassador Fatima Balla OON, Dr. Usman Bugaji, Professor Ibrahim Gambari CON, Dr.

Yahaya Hashim, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega OFR, Professor Mohd Kuna, Abubakar Balarab Mahmoud SAN OON, and Mallam Kabiru Yusuf. The statement highlighted two main themes: Nigeria is at a dangerous crossroads marked by declining democratic accountability and institutional weakness, alongside challenges exacerbated by regional crises in the Sahel.

The authors criticized the current constitution, stating it lacks legitimacy as it was not ratified by the people. They proposed two categories of recommendations: reforms within the existing constitutional order to improve accountability and civic engagement, and better management of Nigeria's external environment through alliances and stronger security coordination.

They contend that insecurity is fundamentally a political problem, deeply rooted in Nigeria's historical and constitutional struggles.