Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has put forward a bold proposal aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape. On October 2, 2024, his media office announced that Atiku is advocating for significant amendments to the 1999 Constitution, particularly focusing on the presidential term and the rotation of power among Nigeria’s regions.
Atiku proposes that both the president and state governors should serve a single term of six years. This change is intended to allow leaders to focus on governance without the pressure of re-election campaigns.
Atiku’s plan includes the rotation of the presidential office among the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. This would mean that power would alternate between the North and the South, ensuring that each region has a fair chance to lead the country. The proposed amendment to Section 130 (1) of the Constitution reads:
“The office of the president shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the Federation on a single term of six years, alternating between the North and South.”
In addition to the single term proposal, Atiku seeks to amend Section 135 (2) of the Constitution to clarify that the president must vacate office after the six-year term begins.
Atiku Abubakar, who was the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, believes these reforms are essential for promoting unity and fairness in Nigeria’s political system. His proposals aim to reduce political tension and foster a sense of inclusiveness among the country’s diverse regions.
These proposals come at a time when discussions around political reform are gaining momentum. Just a few months ago, a group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives, known as “The Reformers,” introduced similar ideas. Led by Ikenga Ugochinyere from Imo State, they proposed the rotation of the presidency between the North and South and even suggested the creation of a second vice president to enhance governance. Their belief is that such changes would not only promote equity but also reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria.
If adopted, Atiku’s proposals could bring significant changes to Nigeria’s political framework. A six-year term could lead to more focused governance, as leaders would not be preoccupied with re-election efforts. Furthermore, a rotational presidency could help address longstanding regional disparities and foster national unity by ensuring that every part of the country feels represented at the highest level of government.
Atiku Abubakar’s proposals for a six-year single term for Nigerian presidents and governors, along with a rotational presidency, represent a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest for political reform. As these ideas are discussed further in the Senate and among the public, they could reshape the political landscape and address some of the critical challenges facing Nigeria today.
