House of Representatives Rejects Bill for Single Six-Year Term for President and Governors

The House of Representatives has rejected the second reading of a bill proposing a single six-year term for the president and governors.

The bill was dismissed during a plenary session on Thursday.

Sponsored by Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and 33 other members, the bill also calls for the alignment of all elections to be held on the same day, among other provisions.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the bill aims to introduce a six-year single term for the president and state governors, recognize Nigeria’s division into six geopolitical zones, and provide for the rotation of political offices such as president, state governor, and local government council chairman among the regions. It also seeks to ensure all elections are held on a single day.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Ugochinyere for second reading and seconded by another member. However, when the Speaker, Abbas Tajuddeen, called for a voice vote, a loud “Nay” was heard from the members. As a result, the Speaker announced that the “Nays” had it, and the bill failed to pass the second reading.