Nigeria’s Federalism Debate Ignites Again—And Shettima’s Comment Just Poured Fuel on the Fire
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent remarks that Nigeria’s main problem is corruption—not its federal structure—have sparked a wave of backlash from major regional and socio-political groups across the country.
Speaking at the 17th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards in Abuja, Shettima dismissed calls for restructuring, claiming corruption and poor resource management are the real culprits holding Nigeria back. He argued that true federalism is no magic fix and that governance, not theory, is what truly matters to ordinary Nigerians.
“There is no perfect federalism anywhere in the world,” Shettima said. “Our biggest challenge is the mismanagement of what we already have, not flaws in our constitution. Real change starts with accountability.”
But many Nigerians aren’t buying it.
From the Middle Belt to the Niger Delta, and from Yoruba elders to Igbo leaders, voices are rising in unison, insisting that Nigeria’s current structure is flawed—and that it’s fueling the very corruption the Vice President wants to end.
Middle Belt Forum (MBF): “Fix the System First”
Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum, challenged Shettima’s view head-on. “The kind of federalism we practice is fake—and it’s the root cause of corruption. Fix the foundation, and the rest will follow.”
According to him, Nigeria’s structural imbalance gives rise to entitlement mentalities, resentment, and exploitation—all of which feed corruption.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo: “Corruption Thrives on a Broken System”
The Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze, echoed similar sentiments. Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the group’s Publicity Secretary, called the Vice President’s comments misleading.
“You can’t address corruption in isolation,” he said. “The system itself promotes it. You need a strong, balanced institutional foundation to uphold ethical governance.”
Afenifere: “Restructuring Will Cure More Than Just Corruption”
The Yoruba group Afenifere didn’t hold back either. National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi stated that while corruption is a problem, it’s the broken federal structure that allows it to persist.
“Restructuring isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity,” he stressed. “Fix the structure, and corruption, insecurity, and inequality will be easier to tackle.”
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF): “Shettima Is Right—But What Now?”
Interestingly, the ACF agreed in part with the Vice President. Its spokesperson, Prof. Tukur Muhammad Baba, said Shettima was simply stating the obvious—that corruption exists everywhere.
But he didn’t let the government off the hook: “What’s the administration doing to fix it? If we’re honest, government itself remains the biggest enabler of corruption.”
Niger Delta Voice: “Let Us Control Our Resources”
Activist and NDSM Convener Ann Kio Briggs strongly disagreed with Shettima, saying true federalism is the path to a better Nigeria.
“Until regions control their own resources and development, the system will keep enabling looting. Restructuring is not just political talk—it’s a lifeline.”
The Bottom Line?
Shettima’s call to focus on corruption over federal reform may have been intended to unite, but it’s had the opposite effect—reigniting a national debate over who controls what, and why governance feels so far removed from the people.
