Table of Contents

Constitutional Features and Evaluations:

Retained Presidential System: The constitution maintained the presidential system of governance, akin to the 1979 framework.
Entrenched Two-Party System: The constitution solidified a two-party system, aiming to streamline electoral choices and reduce confusion compared to a multi-party setup.
Recall Provision for Legislators: Empowered citizens with the ability to recall legislators who lost public confidence, enhancing accountability.
Non-State Status for Abuja: Designated Abuja, the federal capital territory, as distinct from a state within the constitutional framework.
Protection of Rights and Independent Judiciary: Ensured provisions for fundamental human rights and an independent judiciary for Nigerian citizens.

Merits of the 1989 Constitution

Streamlined Electoral Choice: The two-party system focused voter options, minimizing confusion.
Qualification Standards for Candidates: Set age and education requirements aimed at excluding inexperienced and uneducated individuals from governance.
Local Government Empowerment: Increased attention to local and rural development through enhanced local government prominence.

Part-Time Legislature: Legislators’ part-time status and allowances led to a focus on private businesses over legislative duties.
Restriction on Political Choice: Limited political options for both politicians and voters, constraining democratic expression.

Continuation of Prior Constitutions: Maintained elements from both the 1979 and 1989 constitutions.
Bicameral Legislature: Established a two-chamber national legislature and a unicameral legislature for each state.
Education Requirement for Candidates: Mandated a secondary school certificate as the minimum educational qualification for national and state office seekers.
Local Government Councils: Provided for 774 local government councils.
Revenue Allocation Formula: Outlined a formula for distributing revenue.

Introduction of Fourth Republic and Presidential System: Initiated the fourth republic and reinstated the presidential system.
Educational and Age Qualifications: Reduced governance inefficiencies by requiring minimum education and age criteria for officeholders.
Grassroots Political Development: Facilitated political growth at the grassroots level.
Smooth Transition from Military Rule: Enabled a seamless transition from military to civilian rule.

Imposed by the Military: The military enforced the constitution on the populace.
Rigidity and Amendment Difficulty: Notably inflexible and challenging to amend.
Aligned with Abacha’s Agenda: Allegedly tailored to serve the interests of Abacha.
Centralization of Judiciary: Contrary to federalism demands, centralized judiciary power.
Federal Government Overreach: Granted excessive authority to the federal government.