Atayese, a Yoruba socio-cultural group, has called on the incoming government to draft a new constitution that would take cognisance of the peculiarities of the different ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the group, Tokunbo Ajasin, made the call on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while addressing a press conference.
Ajasin said while the group had no political affiliation, it however believed that whoever won the presidential election should make the drafting of the new constitution a priority.
He said: “Our observation since the electioneering campaign began have more than confirmed our belief that without a new constitution that effectively restructures our federation, we are more or less postponing the apocalypse.
“However, since nature abhors a vacuum, we have to abide by the current military inspired and flawed constitution, which political parties have sworn to uphold.
“As a nation, we cannot forget our notable differences.
“We should rather open them up and go ahead to decide on how we can live together with them.”
Ajasin said the group was willing to give the incumbent administration the benefit of doubt that the rescheduled elections would be held as planned on March 28 and April 11.
He said: “We must all unite to do everything possible to sustain our democracy no matter how imperfect.
“The alternative will be chaotic.
“While the June 12, 1993 elections were adjudged the freest and fairest in the country, we strongly believe that the 2015 elections would surpass the record of the past.
“We, therefore, advocate that the elections should be held as rescheduled and the electorate be allowed to exercise their rights with adequate security put in place.”
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