Atiku Advocates for Rotational Presidency in Constitutional Amendment
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has proposed rotational presidency and strengthened electoral laws to advance Nigeria’s democracy. In a submission to the Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Atiku emphasized the need for reforms.
Atiku’s proposal, dated August 30, 2024, addresses key areas, including:
- Rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
- Single six-year term for presidents.
- Strengthened internal democracy in political parties.
- Clarified educational qualifications for election candidates.
Atiku explained that these amendments would reduce political parties’ tendency to breach constitutional and electoral guidelines, promoting discipline in democracy.
Specifically, Atiku suggested:
- Adding Paragraph “A” to Section 130(1) to mandate rotational presidency.
- Amending Section 135(2) to establish a single six-year term.
- Amending Section 137(1)(b) to prevent presidents from seeking re-election.
As the 2023 presidential election flagbearer for the major opposition party, Atiku’s recommendations aim to address pitfalls in Nigeria’s election laws.
Atiku’s proposal has sparked interest in constitutional reform. For more information on this developing story and Nigeria’s constitutional amendment process, consider exploring online news sources or official government websites.
