By Dr Dele Oluwatade
The recent rumoured coup attempt in Nigeria in October 2025 underscores the pressing need for a fundamental shift in the nation’s governmental structure to prevent future coups. Adopting a confederation system would be a viable solution, making it extremely challenging for any single group to seize control of the entire country.
Nigeria’s current unitary system, coupled with a half-hearted presidential structure, remains vulnerable to both political and military coups. The absence of a simultaneous approach to problem-solving has exacerbated the nation’s challenges. The recent coup attempt can be attributed to legislative and executive sluggishness in addressing terrorism and insecurity.
President Tinubu’s task is reminiscent of Esther’s biblical mission (“If I perish, I perish”), highlighting the urgent need to rescue Nigeria’s diverse nationalities from Fulani hostilities without delay. This is as crucial as implementing economic reforms. The lack of parallel political reforms has exposed the nation to political and military opportunists.
In a confederation system, the likelihood of a successful coup would be significantly reduced. With at least four autonomous states, it’s likely that some would reject such an attempt, thereby preventing a single group from dominating the entire country.
To address this issue, the following steps become essential:
Constitutional Review: The National Assembly should review and consider implementing a confederation system for Nigeria before the end of 2025.
Prioritizing Political Reforms: The government should prioritize political reforms to support ongoing economic reforms.
Developing a Confederation Model: Nigerian strategists and political experts should develop a suitable confederation model that would prevent both political and military coups, making it difficult for any group to take over the six autonomous confederation republics.
Dr. Dele Oluwatade
Former National President, Christian Association of Nigeria ( YOUTH-CAN).