New Development: Bill for Six-Year Single Term, Rotational Presidency, and Comprehensive Electoral Reforms Passes First Reading in House of Reps

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A significant constitutional amendment bill has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives, marking a potential transformation in Nigeria's governance and electoral processes. The bill, championed by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and supported by 34 other lawmakers, proposes several sweeping changes aimed at enhancing efficiency, inclusivity, and national unity.


 Key Provisions of the Bill

1. Six-Year Single Term: The bill seeks to replace the current two-term, four-year system for the President and Governors with a single six-year term. This change aims to reduce election-related government spending and ensure leaders focus on governance rather than re-election campaigns.



2. Rotational Presidency: To promote national unity and equal representation, the bill proposes rotating the Presidency among Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. This measure is designed to ensure that every region has a fair chance to lead the country, fostering a sense of inclusion and stability.


3. One-Day Elections: All elections, including presidential, governorship, National Assembly, state houses of Assembly, and local government elections, would be conducted on the same day. This approach aims to cut costs, increase voter turnout, and enhance the credibility of the electoral process.


4. Resolution of Election Disputes: The bill mandates that all pre-election matters be concluded before the election date and all post-election disputes be resolved before the swearing-in of elected officials. This provision is intended to prevent prolonged legal battles that can undermine the electoral process and governance.


5. Mandatory Electronic Transmission of Results: To ensure transparency and accuracy, the bill calls for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results, reducing the risk of manipulation and fraud.


At a press conference, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, alongside fellow lawmakers such as Hon. Aliyu Mustapha, Danga Abdulmaleek, Prof. Paul Nnamchi, and others, highlighted the transformative potential of the bill. Ugochinyere emphasized that the proposed changes would make Nigeria's political system more efficient and inclusive.


He stated, “The sole intent of this bill is to enact legislation that will make provisions for a single term of six years, the rotation of political power among the geo-political zones for the Presidency, and senatorial zones for the governorship. Conducting all elections in one day will save costs and ensure higher voter turnout and election credibility.”

Ugochinyere lamented the political instability and social conflicts that plague many African nations, including Nigeria. He argued that the adoption of a rotational and single-tenure presidency could be a potent solution for ensuring stability. He called on Nigerians to support the bill, citing Mexico's successful implementation of a six-year single-term presidency as a model.

As the 10th House of Representatives marks its first year, the bill's sponsors are urging their colleagues and the Nigerian public to support the proposed amendments. The lawmakers believe that these reforms will transform Nigeria's political landscape, making it more united, efficient, and inclusive.


The next steps for the bill include a second reading and further debate in the House of Representatives. If passed, these amendments could herald a new era in Nigeria's democratic governance, ensuring fair representation and effective leadership for all regions of the country.



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