The Nigerian House of Representatives has rejected a constitutional amendment bill proposing a six-year single tenure for the president and governors.
The bill, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo), also sought to amend the Constitution to mandate single-day elections and rotate the presidency between the North, South, and geopolitical zones.
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Despite the rejection during the second reading on Thursday, Ugochinyere expressed determination to reintroduce the bill after further consultations. Members were not given the opportunity to debate the general principles of the proposed legislation.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Ugochinyere called the rejection a “temporary setback” and reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for reforms that promote inclusivity, justice, and equity in Nigeria’s democracy.
“The struggle to reform our constitutional democracy to be all-inclusive and provide avenue for justice, equity, and fairness has not been lost,” he stated.
“The decision on the floor of the House not to allow the bill for six-year single tenure for presidency/governorship, power to rotate between North and South, and all elections to hold in one day to scale second reading does not put an end to agitation and hope that we will realize this objective.”
Ugochinyere emphasized the potential benefits of the proposals, including cost reduction, mitigation of electoral rigging, de-escalation of political tensions, and improved governance focus for elected leaders.
“If elections are held in one day, it will reduce cost, reduce rigging. If power rotates, it will help de-escalate political tensions, and six-year single term will go a long way in helping elective leaders focus on delivering their democratic mandate. All hope is not lost. We will continue the advocacy and we hope that when reintroduced, our colleagues will support it,” he added.
The sponsor and his team plan to conduct further consultations and revisit the bill through due legislative procedures, maintaining optimism for its eventual success.
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