Dr Umar Ardo and the Philosophical Indictment of Constitutional Subversion in Nigeria’s Political Culture

By Okoi Obono-Obla

Dr Umar Ardo and the Philosophical Indictment of Constitutional Subversion in Nigeria’s Political Culture:

Dr Umar Ardo, in his treatise The Tree, The Root and The Rot: A Philosophical Indictment of Constitutional Subversion in Nigeria’s Political Culture – An Essay on the Metaphysics of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), graphically, elaborately, and comprehensively exposed the chicanery and shenanigans that birthed the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His argument is premised on the manipulation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and a court order that was anchored on nothing. It is commendable that Dr Ardo has come out openly to make this allegation, and Nigerians should take notice. If the Court eventually finds in his favour against the NDC, the nation must be prepared for an avalanche of allegations against the APC and the Federal Government, accusing them of seeking to impose a one‑party dictatorship in Nigeria.

I know Dr Umar Ardo personally. He is a serious‑minded intellectual with a heavy dosage of revolutionary and nationalist fervour, uncompromising in matters against due process. I first met him around 2014 when he visited me in my office in Abuja, seeking collaboration to challenge in court the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2015 presidential election, having taken the oaths of office and allegiance on 5 May 2010 and 29 May 2011 respectively. At that time, I was Counsel to Mr Cyriacus Njoku in a matter before the Court of Appeal, Abuja, on the same legal issue. Judgment was delivered on 3 March 2015 in NJOKU v. JONATHAN & ORS (2015) JELR 45554 (CA).

The Court of Appeal held that the appellant lacked locus standi, as he failed to show a special interest or injury distinct from that of the general public, relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Adesanya v. President of Nigeria (1981) 2 NCLR 358. However, that decision became the philosophical foundation for the National Assembly’s 2018 amendment of section 137(3) of the Constitution, which now provides that anyone who completes another person’s term cannot be elected more than once. This amendment, often termed the “Fourth Alteration,” was a landmark development in Nigeria’s constitutional jurisprudence.

Dr Ardo is a man of truth, principle, and solid character. His allegations against the NDC should not be dismissed as mere political smear campaigns or as evidence of manipulation by external forces. Rather, they should be taken seriously as part of the ongoing struggle to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic culture and constitutional integrity.

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Conclusion
Dr Umar Ardo’s intervention is a reminder that democracy thrives only when constitutionalism is respected and upheld. His principled stance reflects the vigilance required of intellectuals and patriots in defending Nigeria’s democratic order. The nation must pay heed to his warnings, for the health of our democracy depends on it.