Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has proposed a rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to enhance constitutional democracy in the country. He also suggested implementing a six-year single term for the presidency.
In a letter to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Jibrin Barau, Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, urged the National Assembly to consider his recommendations during the ongoing constitutional amendment process. The proposal, dated August 30, 2024, includes raising the educational qualifications for political office seekers.
Atiku’s proposal aims to amend Section 130 (1) of the 1999 Constitution to establish that the presidency shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones on a single six-year term, alternating between the North and South. He also seeks to amend Section 135 (2) to stipulate that the president shall vacate office after a six-year term starting from the date of election.
Having contested for the presidency six times in the past 30 years, Atiku emphasizes the need for constitutional amendments to prevent violent takeovers of political parties and to foster internal party democracy. He noted that the current legal framework allows political parties significant leeway to violate electoral laws.