Reps to resume debate on rotational Presidency bill, Wednesday

…initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s unity, achieve national cohesion – Kalu

The House of Representatives on Wednesday is expected to resume debate on the general principles of a bill seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution to adopting rotation of the offices of the President and Vice President among the six geopolitical zones as from 2031.

The private member legislation which was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, seeks to foster national unity, cohesion, integration, promote fairness, and ensure equitable representation of all regions of the country.

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Kalu proposed an 8-year tenure for each geopolitical zone, ensuring that all regions have a turn in leadership positions.

By providing constitutional backing for rotational leadership, the rotational Presidency bill seeks to reduce regional agitations, perceptions of domination and marginalisation, while promoting peaceful coexistence.

Recall that the country is at the moment divided into six geopolitical thus: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West.

Some of the lawmakers who spoke on the intention of the bill averred that the passage of the bill will not disrupt the current presidency occupied by the South West region.

Essentially, the rotational Presidency bill will allow the completion of the present administration by 2031 and then take off fully at its expiration.

The lawmakers also confirmed that the bill shows predilection for the zoning of the presidency in 2031 specifically to the North East with the Vice Presidency going also specifically to the South East region.

The rotational Presidency bill further stipulates that the Presidency will reside in the North East for 8 years before moving to the South East for another 8 years and then goes elsewhere.

The synopsis of the debate sighted by our Correspondent further stated that the bill, when passed into la,w will ultimately achieve national cohesion where every region will have a sense of belonging.

“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and culturally diverse nation comprising over 250 ethnic groups spread across six recognised geopolitical zones—North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West. Since independence, the centralisation of political power in a few regions has given rise to long-standing concerns about marginalisation, uneven representation, and imbalance in the distribution of national leadership.

“While the Federal Character Principle enshrined in Section 14(3) of the Constitution was introduced to address these imbalances and foster national unity, it has not adequately resolved the issue of equitable access to the highest executive offices. The absence of a constitutional requirement for the rotation of the offices of the President and Vice President has inadvertently perpetuated regional dominance and political exclusion.

“To strengthen national unity, deepen democratic legitimacy, promote fairness, and foster a true sense of belonging among all segments of the federation, it has become necessary to alter the Constitution to provide for a rotational presidency and vice presidency among the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. This will institutionalise equity in political leadership and ensure that no region is left behind in the governance of the nation.

“The Bill seeks to institutionalise a system of rotation of the offices of the President and Vice President among the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria for 8 years each, to ensure equitable representation, inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging among all regions of the country in the governance process.

“By providing constitutional backing for the rotational presidency and vice presidency, the Bill aims to reduce political tensions, regional agitations, and perceptions of domination or marginalisation, thereby fostering stronger bonds of unity, mutual respect, and trust across the federation.

“The Bill intends to contribute to the deepening of democracy and political stability by ensuring predictable, fair, and regionally balanced leadership transitions, which will promote peaceful coexistence, reduce electoral conflicts, and reinforce the legitimacy of elected leaders at the national level”, the synopsis stated.

Speaking on the bill when it came up at the Tuesday plenary session of the House of Representatives, the sponsor and Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu said the bill will enable valuable contributions from every region of the country.

“The proposed bill would enhance inclusivity and foster unity across the federation. This will enable every part of this country to contribute to the national leadership of this country. There is no region that does not have capable people who can lead. It would increase national cohesion and national unity. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander,” he said.

Similarly, the Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa called on his colleagues to support the bill.

“We should support it. We should allow all 6 geopolitical zones to produce a President. We should even extend the rotation to governors in all the states.

“Every zone of the country has people that have the capacity to govern this country.

“The federal character specifies that there should be fairness across all the zones.

“I commend the bill sponsor, the Deputy Speaker, for understanding that some zones are being marginalised and need to be given fair treatment. It would promote fairness,” he said.

In the same vein, the member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal constituency, Hon. Clement Jimbo said: “It will cure an age-long injustice in our land, especially minority zones, that would naturally not have a chance to rule.”

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