Atiku Writes National Assembly, Seeks Six-Year Presidential Term, Power Rotation

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has formally written to the National Assembly, advocating for a constitutional amendment that would introduce a six-year single term for the President and state governors.

In his memorandum to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku also proposed that the presidency should rotate between Nigeria’s North and South to ensure balanced representation and unity.

This proposal aligns with previous efforts during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who also advocated for a six-year single term. Following the 2023 elections, Atiku has continued to champion this cause, reiterating the importance of a more structured rotation of power.

Atiku stated, “The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the federation on a single term of six years, flowing between the North and South, respectively.”

In his letter, he urged the National Assembly to amend Section 135(2) of the Constitution to reflect his proposal, stating: “The President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years.”

Additionally, Atiku made several other proposals, including revising the candidate selection process and raising the minimum educational qualifications for political candidates. He suggested that candidates for elections should possess at least an Ordinary National Diploma (OND), rather than the current Senior Secondary School Certificate. He also called for stricter verification of educational qualifications submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Further, Atiku advocated for political parties to have a greater role in determining candidates, suggesting that parties provide a register of members to INEC at least 30 days before primaries.