A group of elder statesmen and prominent Nigerians under the umbrella of The Patriots has raised alarm over worsening insecurity, rising poverty and what it described as the gradual collapse of national values and institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group made its position known in a communiqué issued after a meeting held at its secretariat in Lagos, where members reviewed the state of the nation and deliberated on the country’s political future.
The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the group, Emeka Anyaoku, and Secretary-General, Olawale Okunniyi.
The Patriots expressed deep concern over persistent killings, kidnappings and attacks by bandits and armed groups across several parts of the country, warning that insecurity has continued to threaten national stability and economic survival.
According to the group, violent attacks remain widespread in the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, while insecurity is gradually spreading into parts of the South-West.
The elder statesmen further lamented the growing number of internally displaced persons and noted that many farmers had abandoned their farmlands because of insecurity, worsening food shortages and economic hardship nationwide.
The group urged the federal government to treat insecurity as a national emergency and called for the establishment of a special advisory committee to assist in tackling the country’s security challenges.
While acknowledging ongoing economic reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the Patriots maintained that poverty remains severe across the country, particularly in rural communities.
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the group stated that about 63 per cent of Nigerians currently live in multidimensional poverty.
The Patriots also renewed its demand for a new democratic constitution, arguing that the current 1999 Constitution was a military creation that no longer reflects the collective aspirations of Nigerians.
According to the communiqué, many of the country’s recurring governance and political crises can only be resolved through a constitution democratically produced by the Nigerian people.
The group recalled that the position was reaffirmed during its National Summit in Abuja in July 2024, which brought together youth groups, women organisations and socio-cultural associations from across the six geopolitical zones.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the Patriots criticised the absence of clear ideology among political parties, saying the trend had encouraged frequent defections and weakened public confidence in the political system.
The group warned against divisive politics and urged political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns instead of inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks.
The Patriots also condemned the high cost of politics in Nigeria, arguing that exorbitant nomination and expression of interest fees had excluded many competent Nigerians from participating in elections.
According to the group, professionals, academics and other qualified citizens willing to contribute to national development are often unable to contest because of financial constraints.
The elder statesmen further advocated independent candidacy and broader electoral reforms, insisting that Nigeria’s political process must become more inclusive, transparent and people-oriented.
The group warned that the conduct of the 2027 elections at federal, state and local government levels would come under close scrutiny from both Nigerians and the international community.
