The National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka, has criticized Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, describing the “indivisible and indissoluble” clause as a constitutional fraud that undermines the right to self-determination for the Igbo and other communities.

In a statement released Sunday, Igboayaka argued that the Constitution, drafted by military juntas and political elites, serves the interests of select ethnic groups while marginalizing others.

“The Nigeria Constitution is not a democratic document; it is fundamentally fraudulent. It lacks democratic principles, and therefore Nigeria cannot be considered a fully democratic country,” he said, adding that the document “promotes military decrees as law, without the input of the people.”

He specifically criticized Article 2, which declares Nigeria “one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state,” describing it as a “death penalty” for Nigerians and a form of planned marginalization against Ndigbo, the Middle Belt, and certain Northern ethnic groups. According to Igboayaka, the clause also violates Nigeria’s obligations under international law, including the United Nations Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee self-determination.

Igboayaka traced the clause’s origins to colonial influence and domestic political interests, claiming that Britain, in partnership with Fulani and some Yoruba elites, inserted it to protect economic interests, particularly in the oil-rich Eastern region.

The OYC president also linked the clause to ongoing ethnic tensions, marginalization, and violent conflicts across the country. He called for a review or removal of Section 2 through a referendum or sovereign national conference, arguing it would allow communities legal avenues for self-determination and help prevent further crises.

Challenging critics of self-determination, Igboayaka asked: “Who is afraid of a referendum or plebiscite in Nigeria? Only British agents, political oppressors, and profiteers.”

The statement reflects growing demands among some Igbo leaders and youth groups for a constitutional review to empower communities to determine their political and economic futures. Igboayaka concluded by emphasizing that the people’s right to self-determination is paramount for justice, equity, and the protection of lives and property in Nigeria.