Reps rejects six-year single term bill for president, governors

The House of Representatives has voted against the second reading of a proposed bill seeking to amend the Nigerian Constitution to provide a single six-year term for the president and state governors.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and 33 co-sponsors, was debated during Thursday’s plenary session. Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” it proposed major constitutional changes, including the recognition of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, the rotation of key political offices among regions, and the synchronization of all elections to occur on the same day.

Rep. Ugochinyere presented the bill, arguing for its potential to promote equity and reduce electoral costs. The bill was seconded and debated briefly.

However, when Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen subjected the proposal to a voice vote, members overwhelmingly opposed it with a resounding “Nay.” The Speaker consequently announced that the bill had failed to pass the second reading.

This rejection underscores the challenges faced by constitutional amendment proposals in Nigeria’s legislature, especially those seeking significant shifts in the country’s political structure.