Atiku pushes for single term, rotational presidency
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has proposed a number of reforms he would like to see in the National Assembly’s move for constitutional amendments.
In a letter dated August 30, 2024, and addressed to Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Atiku proposed that the presidency should be a single term of six years rotated among the six geopolitical zones.
According to Atiku, this will promote equity and national unity and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“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,” Atiku stated in his proposal, recommending amendments to Section 130(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
He also suggested changes to Sections 135(2) and 137(1)(b) to reinforce this structure.
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Beyond the rotational presidency, Atiku’s recommendations focus on reforms aimed at enhancing internal democracy within political parties and tightening the legal framework governing elections in Nigeria.
The former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, emphasised the need for stronger regulations to prevent the manipulation of party structures and breaches of electoral laws.
Atiku proposed raising the minimum educational qualifications for candidates running for political office and instituting stricter oversight of party operations to curb violent takeovers and ensure compliance with electoral rules.
He noted that indiscipline within political parties has often led to chaos, undermining democratic principles.
“These amendments will enthrone the discipline that is needed in a democracy,” Atiku said, highlighting how the lack of internal control has contributed to Nigeria’s electoral challenges.