This can be defined as a fundamental organic law of a nation or a state that establishes the concept and character and organization of its government as well as describing the extent of its sovereignty and the manner of its exercise.
It can also be defined as the fundamental principle or established precedents in accordance to which a state or organization can be governed. Prior to the commencement of 1999 constitution, Nigeria has resulted to the Clifford constitution of 1922 , Richard constitution of 1946 , 1954 constitution of Lyttleton which was replaced by 1960 independent constitution . The 1960 independence constitution was replaced by the 1963 Republican constitution which was in place until Jan 15 1963 where we had the first military coup, which toppled Alh. Tafawa Balewa. The military was in power till October. First headed by Shehu Shagari. The 1999 constitution which came in on May 29, 1999 had the same provisions with 1999 constitution, the present 1999 is a replica of 1979.