House of Reps Rejects Six-Year Rotational Tenure for Presidents, Governors

The House of Representatives has voted against a Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to introduce a rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The proposed legislation failed to pass its second reading during Tuesday’s plenary session after a voice vote followed a round of debate among lawmakers.

The bill, which proposed a rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones, was introduced by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in Imo State.

He led a group of 34 lawmakers who co-sponsored the legislation. The bill sought to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish a six-year single term for the presidency, rotate the office between the North and South regions every six years, and hold all elections on a single day. 

However, the House of Representatives rejected the bill during its second reading on November 21, 2024. 

Meanwhile, the bill was considered alongside six other constitution amendment proposals, all of which were similarly rejected at the same stage on Tuesday.

The rejection deals a blow to ongoing calls for structural political reforms aimed at promoting inclusivity and balanced power distribution across the country.