As the review of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, enters another phase, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has submitted a recommendation advocating for the rotation of the presidency among the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. He proposes that this rotation occur on a single six-year term, alternating between the northern and southern regions of the country.
Atiku’s proposals, addressed to the Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau Jibrin, are dated August 30, 2024. They cover several themes, including the educational qualifications of candidates in elections, internal democracy within political parties, and the rotation of the presidential position.
In a document obtained recently, Atiku suggests amending Section 135(2) of the Constitution to state: “Subject to the provisions of subsection (1), the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years commencing from the date.”
In his explanatory note, Atiku highlighted that these constitutional amendments aim to enhance the educational standards of political office seekers and to eliminate violent takeovers of political parties, thereby reinforcing their internal structures.
He expressed concerns over the tendencies of political parties to breach the Constitution and the Electoral Act, which can lead to chaos within the political system. He emphasized that the existing framework allows political parties a wide latitude to disregard electoral laws, resulting in indiscipline and instability.
Atiku believes that the proposed amendments would promote the discipline necessary for a functioning democracy and address pitfalls within Nigeria’s electoral laws. He urges the National Assembly to consider these recommendations to improve the electoral process in the country.