JUST IN: Reps Reject Bill Proposing Six-Year Single Tenure for President, Governors

The Nigerian House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to introduce a single six-year term for the President, State Governors, and Local Government Chairmen. The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary session after a voice vote.

Sponsored by Representative Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) alongside 33 other lawmakers, the bill also proposed the zonal rotation of presidential and governorship positions, as well as the synchronization of all elections to occur on the same day.

The proposed amendments targeted various sections of the Constitution, including Sections 76, 116, 132, and 136. Key provisions included ensuring inclusive governance, reducing election-related costs, and curbing inefficiencies associated with the current four-year electoral cycle.

One significant aspect of the bill was the introduction of a rotational presidency between the North and South every six years. It stipulated that within each region, the presidency would rotate among the three geopolitical zones. Additionally, all elections into offices such as the President, Governors, National Assembly members, and State Houses of Assembly were to be held simultaneously, as determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in consultation with the National Assembly.

Further provisions included requiring Governors to present mid-term performance reports to their State Houses of Assembly. Legislators would then assess these reports and could initiate impeachment proceedings if dissatisfied with a Governor’s performance.

Despite these proposals, the bill failed to secure support. When put to a voice vote by the Speaker during the plenary session, the majority of lawmakers opposed it, effectively terminating its progress.