The House of Representatives has rejected a bill proposing a six-year single term for Nigeria’s president and governors, as well as other significant constitutional amendments. Sponsored by Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere and 33 other lawmakers, the bill also advocated for rotating executive powers among the six geopolitical zones to promote equity and reduce state creation agitations.
The proposed amendments included recognizing the six geopolitical zones in the constitution, creating two vice-presidential offices (one each for the northern and southern regions), and synchronizing all elections nationwide.
During Thursday’s plenary session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called for a voice vote, and the opposition to the bill overwhelmingly prevailed.
This proposal echoed ideas championed by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who in September recommended a six-year single term and a zonal rotation of the presidency to the National Assembly.
