Atiku proposes constitutional amendments for rotational presidency and single tenure

As the review of the 1999 Constitution begins, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has submitted recommendations for significant changes, including a rotational presidency and a single six-year term. His proposal suggests that the presidency rotate among the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, alternating between the north and south.

Addressed to Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, and dated August 30, 2024, Atiku’s proposals also cover important issues like the educational qualifications for candidates, internal democracy within political parties, and the rotation of presidential positions among the six geopolitical zones.

In the proposed amendment to Section 135(2) of the Constitution, Atiku suggested it should state: “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.”

In an explanatory note, Atiku emphasized that these amendments aim to raise the educational standards for political office seekers and to eliminate violence in political party leadership, thereby strengthening internal party structures. He noted that current practices allow political parties to violate electoral laws, leading to chaos in the political system.

He stated, “The implication of the above is that political parties are allowed very wide latitude to breach the perimeter of laws on elections.” Atiku believes that the proposed amendments will promote discipline within Nigeria’s democracy and address the pitfalls in the existing electoral laws.

He called on the National Assembly to consider these recommendations seriously to improve the electoral framework in Nigeria.