Proposed Bill Aims to Halt North-West, South-West, South-South Presidential Bids in 2027

A bill is currently under consideration by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, which, if passed into law, could prevent the North-West, South-West, and South-South geo-political zones from presenting a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.

The bill, titled “For an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to make provisions for rotation of power among the geo-political zones,” is sponsored by Ojema Ojetu, a member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Benue State.

The proposed legislation aims to amend Section 133 of the constitution, introducing sub-sections 2, 3, and 4. Sub-section 2 suggests a rotation of the presidency among the six geo-political zones, limiting each state to a maximum of two terms of four years each.

Sub-section 3 explicitly states that any zone that has produced a President since the return to democratic governance in 1999 would be ineligible until other zones have had their turns. Sub-section 4 sets the effective date for this rotation as May 29, 1999, when the Constitution became effective.

Ojetu’s bill also seeks to modify the Constitution with sub-sections 6 and 7, mandating the rotation of the governor’s office among the three senatorial zones in a state. Furthermore, it stipulates that a senatorial zone that has produced a governor will be ineligible until other zones have had the opportunity.

Additionally, the proposed legislation suggests alterations to Section 48 of the Constitution with the introduction of sub-sections 1 (a) and (b). Sub-section 1(a) proposes the rotation of senatorial elections among all federal constituencies in the senatorial zone, promoting inclusion and participation. Sub-section 1(b) prohibits a federal constituency that has produced a Senator from producing another until all other constituencies have had their turn.

The bill, if successful, would bring about a significant shift in the political landscape, impacting the North-West, South-West, and South-South regions, which have produced Presidents since 1999. Ojetu’s proposal would require support from state Assemblies for the bill to become law, adding an extra layer of complexity to this potential transformation.