Atiku proposes rotational presidency

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has put forward a series of constitutional amendments to the National Assembly, including a bold proposal for a rotational presidency between Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

In a letter dated August 30, 2024, and addressed to Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Atiku outlined his recommendations aimed at strengthening the country’s democratic framework.

The recommendations are aimed at addressing key pitfalls in the current electoral laws and promoting a system that fosters national unity and fair competition for political offices.

One of the key highlights of Atiku’s proposals is the introduction of a rotational presidency, which would ensure the office alternates between the North and South, with each zone serving a single six-year term.

This measure, Atiku argued, will promote equity and national unity in the highest office of the land.

“The office of the president shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the Federation on a single term of six years, flowing between the North and South,” Atiku stated in his proposal, recommending amendments to Section 130(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

He also suggested changes to Sections 135(2) and 137(1)(b) to reinforce this structure.

Beyond the rotational presidency, Atiku’s recommendations focus on reforms aimed at enhancing internal democracy within political parties and tightening the legal framework governing elections in Nigeria.

The former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, emphasized the need for stronger regulations to prevent the manipulation of party structures and breaches of electoral laws.

Atiku proposed raising the minimum educational qualifications for candidates running for political office and instituting stricter oversight of party operations to curb violent takeovers and ensure compliance with electoral rules.

He noted that indiscipline within political parties has often led to chaos, undermining democratic principles.

“These amendments will enthrone the discipline that is needed in a democracy,” Atiku said, highlighting how the lack of internal control has contributed to Nigeria’s electoral challenges.

The Wazirin Adamawa’s recommendations also addressed broader issues within Nigeria’s electoral system, calling for constitutional amendments that reduce the tendency of political parties to breach electoral laws and the Constitution.

He stressed that without these changes, the nation’s democratic system would continue to face instability.

His call is coming against the backdrop of the ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to revise the 1999 Constitution.

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