Atiku Proposes Six-Year Single Term for President and Governors with Rotational Presidency

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has proposed significant amendments to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which aim to introduce a six-year single term for both the president and governors. Additionally, the proposal includes rotating the presidency between the North and South, ensuring equal representation and regional fairness in leadership.

Key Constitutional Amendments Proposed

Atiku Abubakar, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, submitted a memorandum on August 30, 2024, to the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review. In his proposals, he suggests specific amendments to key sections of the constitution. These are:

Section 130 (1): Atiku seeks the amendment of this section to state that “The office of the president shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the Federation on a single term of six years, flowing between the North and South respectively.” This proposal aims to ensure that presidential power is distributed evenly across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and that leadership alternates between the North and South.
Section 135 (2): He also proposed that this section be amended to read that “subject to the provisions of subsection (1), the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years commencing from the date of assumption of office.” This suggests that presidents, once elected, will serve a single six-year term, without the possibility of re-election.

Aims of the Proposal

Atiku’s proposals are meant to address issues of national unity, inclusivity, and fairness. By rotating presidential power between the geopolitical zones, the idea is to give each region a fair opportunity to lead, reducing regional tensions and political dominance by any one zone.

The six-year single term for both presidents and governors aims to reduce political pressures associated with re-election campaigns and could lower the overall cost of governance by eliminating the expense and divisiveness of mid-term election cycles.

Previous Proposals for Rotational Presidency

Atiku’s suggestions come just four months after a group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives, known as “The Reformers,” also proposed a bill advocating for the rotation of the presidency between the North and the South. They also proposed the creation of a second vice president. The leader of the group, Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo), emphasized that this approach would not only reduce the cost of governance but also promote national unity and inclusiveness.

Potential Impact on Nigeria’s Governance

If these proposals are adopted, they could bring a dramatic shift to Nigeria’s political landscape. The rotation of power would promote a sense of fairness and inclusivity among Nigeria’s diverse regions. Additionally, the six-year single term could foster longer-term planning and governance, as leaders would not be preoccupied with seeking re-election.

However, the success of these proposals will depend on support from the National Assembly, civil society, and political stakeholders across the country. The proposed changes are likely to ignite debates about the best way to ensure national cohesion while balancing regional interests.

General Impact

Atiku Abubakar’s proposed amendments to the Nigerian constitution, especially the six-year single term and rotational presidency, reflect his vision for a more united and inclusive Nigeria. As the Senate Committee on Constitution Review examines the memorandum, Nigerians will watch closely to see how these suggestions could shape the future of governance in the country.]

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