Atiku Proposes Rotational Presidency in Constitution Review

• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar proposed a constitutional amendment for a rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and a single six-year term
• Atiku’s suggestions also include reforms for political party democracy and educational qualifications for candidates to enhance Nigeria’s constitutional governance

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution to establish a rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

In addition, Atiku suggests implementing a single six-year term for the president to strengthen Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in last year’s election, addressed his proposals to the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.

This comes as the National Assembly continues amending the constitution, with issues such as power rotation, local government autonomy, and regionalism under consideration.

In his proposal, dated August 30, 2024, Atiku also called for changes to the educational qualifications required for political candidates and reforms to promote internal democracy within political parties.

He emphasized the need to prevent the violent takeover of parties and ensure they operate within democratic frameworks.

Atiku argued that political parties are often allowed to violate electoral laws, leading to chaos. He stated that his suggested amendments would bring greater discipline to the political system.

He wants the constitution to clearly state, “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.”

He also proposed revising Section 135(2) of the constitution to set a clear six-year term limit for the presidency and amending Section 137(1)(b) to ensure a president cannot serve more than one term. According to Atiku, these changes will promote stability and fairness in Nigeria’s political system.