The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, voted against a constitutional amendment bill proposing the rotation of the offices of the President and Vice President among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
This proposed amendment, alongside six other constitutional alteration bills listed for deliberation, failed to pass the second reading following a heated debate on the floor of the House.
However, the lawmakers agreed to revisit the bills individually on Wednesday for consideration on their separate merits.
During the debate, the House suspended its standard rules to allow simultaneous deliberation on all seven bills, giving members the freedom to pick any of them to speak on. Unsurprisingly, the rotational presidency bill drew the most attention and opposition.
Leading the resistance, Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki argued that the issue of equitable representation was already addressed through the Federal Character principle. He warned that inserting rotational presidency into the Constitution could be detrimental.
“There are existing mechanisms in political parties that promote fairness in the distribution of elective offices. This bill is not necessary,” Madaki stated.
Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) acknowledged the creativity behind the proposal but questioned its practicality, saying, “While it may seem like an ingenious idea, will it truly deliver the best candidates? It might breed more regional and ethnic rivalries than solve the problem.”
Also weighing in, Shina Peller Oyedeji (PDP, Oyo) cautioned that the bill might ignite new agitations within geopolitical zones.
“If zoning is adopted, and it rotates to the South West, which state takes it? Ogun or Oyo? Every group will demand their turn, and that could stir another round of unrest,” Oyedeji explained.
Bello Mohammed El-Rufai raised constitutional concerns, especially in emergency scenarios. “What happens if a sitting president dies like President Yar’Adua did? This bill may end up infringing on Nigerians’ rights to aspire to any office,” he said. “No matter what you do in Nigeria, someone will still cry marginalisation. Putting this in the Constitution is a dangerous precedent.”
Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) expressed concern over potential interference with political parties’ autonomy, noting, “It will be misplaced to dictate to political parties where to select their candidates from.”
In contrast, Minority Whip Ali Isa supported the bill, saying rotational presidency would strengthen national unity and give all regions a fair shot at the top seat.
“All zones have capable individuals who can govern Nigeria and even the West African region,” Isa asserted. “In the interest of equity, the North East should produce the President in 2027.”
Similarly, Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) argued the bill sought to correct long-standing marginalisation of minority groups. He proposed a constitutional proviso to end the rotation principle after every zone has had its turn.
Despite passionate arguments on both sides, the bill failed to scale second reading after a voice vote.
Other rejected constitutional amendment bills include:
A bill to transfer the powers of registration and regulation of political parties from INEC to a new Office of the Registrar General of Political Parties.
A bill to establish State Auditors-General for Local Governments and FCT Area Councils to enhance accountability and grassroots governance.
A bill to create Ughelli East Local Government Area in Delta State.
All the rejected bills may still be reconsidered individually as the House resumes deliberation.
