Nigerian Summit Seeks New Federal Constitution Amid Political Tensions

Recent political discourse highlights deep challenges within democratic systems both in the U.S. and Nigeria. In the U.S., concerns about sustainable political change and court reform persist, with criticism that Democrats missed a critical opportunity in 2021 to enact meaningful reforms due to risk aversion and political cowardice, complicating future efforts to regain power and influence (Article 2). Meanwhile, internal Democratic Party struggles continue, exemplified by Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s early criticism of President Joe Biden’s fitness for office during the 2024 election cycle and the party's reluctance to confront issues related to Biden's mental health and the gerontocracy controlling Washington (Article 5). In Nigeria, political tensions remain high, with religious fundamentalists and politicians engaging in divisive rhetoric that threatens democratic debate and national unity, while a recent National Summit in Abuja brought together diverse stakeholders to push for a new inclusive constitution that addresses systemic governance challenges and fosters true federalism (Articles 3 and 4). These developments reflect broader anxieties about the health of democracy and the need for reform to address political dysfunction and societal divisions in both countries.