House Of Reps Rejects Bill For Single Six-Year Term, Rotational Presidency

The House of Representatives has voted against a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at instituting a single six-year term for the President, governors, and local government chairmen. 

The bill, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) and backed by 33 co-sponsors, also sought to establish a rotational presidency and governorship system across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Key provisions of the bill included significant revisions to the 1999 Constitution, such as mandating simultaneous elections for all political offices and introducing a mid-term performance review for governors. 

It also aimed to streamline succession processes and address leadership gaps during unforeseen circumstances.

Despite the bill’s wide-reaching objectives, lawmakers declined to debate it, effectively halting its progress. 

This decision highlights the legislature’s hesitation to make fundamental changes to Nigeria’s political structure.

The rejection comes amidst ongoing discussions in the National Assembly over constitutional amendments and electoral reforms, reflecting the complexity of achieving consensus on such critical issues.