Reps Sponsors To Reintroduce Bill On Single-Term Presidency, Rotational Leadership

The proposed bill seeking a six-year single term for the President and State Governors, along with rotational leadership between the North and South, was rejected by the House of Representatives during its second reading. However, the 34 lawmakers who sponsored the bill have vowed to continue pushing for the reform.

Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lead sponsor and member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, expressed optimism that the bill would be reintroduced after further consultations.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Ugochinyere emphasised that the rejection does not mark the end of their efforts to promote a more inclusive and fair democratic process in Nigeria. He noted that the bill’s objectives, including reducing electoral costs and minimising rigging, were still crucial for the nation’s development.

“The struggle to reform our constitutional democracy to be all inclusive and provide Avenue for justice, equity and fairness has not been lost. The decision on the floor of the House today not to allow the bill for 6 year single tenure for presidency/governorship and for power to rotate between north and south, all elections to hold in one day, not to scale 2nd reading does not put an end to agitation and hope that we will realize this objective.

“This is a temporary set back which does not affect the campaign for all inclusive democratic process. We are going to review these decision and find possible ways of reintroducing it after following due legislative procedures. All I can tell Nigerians is that we will continue the advocacy and convince our colleagues to see reason with us. If elections are held in one day, it will reduce cost, reduce rigging.

“If power rotates, it will help de-escalate. political tensions and six year single term will go a long way in helping elective leaders focus on delivering their democratic mandate. All hope is not lost, we will continue the advocacy and we hope that when reintroduced our colleagues will support it,” Mr. Ugochinyere said.

Recall that the tittled “Bill for an Act to Alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)” seeking to create a single term of six years for the office of President and State Governors, which also seeks zonal rotation of presidential and governorship seats, as well as holding of the elections in one day was rejected at the plenary on Thursday.

Confidence Okwuchi