As political heavyweights begin forming alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, retired military officer Tony Nyiam has warned that Nigeria’s problems go far beyond leadership changes. Nyiam, who was involved in the failed 1990 coup against General Ibrahim Babangida, said the country’s entire political system must be rebuilt for real progress to happen.
In a recent interview with PUNCH on Saturday July 19 2025, Nyiam described Nigeria’s current structure as corrupt and controlled by a few powerful individuals. He said the system encourages fraud and blocks honest leadership. Because of this, he doesn’t support any political party or leadership change unless the entire setup is fixed.
Nyiam explained that switching leaders won’t help if the system remains the same. He believes Nigeria will keep facing the same problems no matter who is in charge.
He called on the President to lead efforts to rebuild the country’s foundation by creating a new constitution that reflects the will of the people not one imposed by past military rulers.
He warned that ignoring this opportunity could damage the President’s legacy. Nyiam said many past leaders failed because they got distracted by power and forgot what they once stood for.
“It will be difficult for anybody to make a drastic change within this system unless the system itself is changed. That is why, as a member of the Patriots, we believe the President should be called upon because he needs to change the Nigerian system. He needs to give the country a new, people-consented constitution, rather than continue with the amendment of a military junta-imposed one. He should reflect on his background and what he has fought for. It would be a missed opportunity for his legacy if he allows himself to be carried away like other unprogressive politicians who are feeding fat on the present fraud-engendering Nigerian state,” he said.
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