Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar advocates for constitutional reforms, proposing a single six-year term for the President and governors, and the rotation of the presidency between Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. His proposals aim to foster unity, promote inclusivity, and address regional disparities in the country's political system.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for constitutional reforms, advocating for a single six-year term for the President and state governors. He also proposed rotating the presidency between Nigeria's six geopolitical zones to foster equity and unity. Atiku submitted these recommendations in a memorandum to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggested an amendment to Section 130(1) of the 1999 Constitution to ensure the presidency alternates between the North and South, with each zone having an opportunity to hold the office for a single six-year term. He also proposed amending Section 135(2) stipulating that the President should vacate office after six years.
Atiku’s recommendations come in the wake of a similar initiative by a group of lawmakers, led by Ikenga Ugochinyere of the PDP, who had earlier proposed a bill advocating for presidential rotation between the North and South and the creation of a second vice president. This, they argue, would promote inclusivity and help reduce governance costs.
Atiku’s proposals aim to address longstanding concerns about regional disparities in political power and strengthen national unity by ensuring equitable power-sharing across Nigeria’s regions. The move has sparked significant discussion on the future of Nigeria's political landscape.
