By Faith Adama
The Nigerian House of Representatives has rejected a bill proposing a single six-year term for the President and State Governors. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” aimed to introduce several significant constitutional amendments, including: A single six-year term for the President and Governors. Formal recognition of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Mandatory rotation of key political offices, such as President, State Governors, and Local Government Chairpersons, among regions and zones.
And Synchronization of all elections to be held on the same day.
Sponsored by Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and co-sponsored by 33 other lawmakers, the bill was presented during Thursday’s plenary session.
After Rep. Ugochinyere introduced the bill, it was seconded and put to a voice vote overseen by Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen.
When the Speaker called for votes, the majority of members resoundingly voted “Nay,” signaling strong opposition to the bill. As a result, the Speaker ruled that the bill had failed to pass its second reading and was rejected outright.
This rejection highlights the House’s resistance to major constitutional changes, despite the bill’s ambitious aim to reshape Nigeria’s political and electoral system.
