Reps Vow to Reintroduce Rejected Bill for Six-Year Single Term, Zonal Power Rotation

Thirty-four members of the House of Representatives who sponsored a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution and introduce a six-year single term for the president have announced plans to reintroduce the proposal.

Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, following the bill’s rejection during plenary on November 21.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the bill sought to establish a six-year single term for the president, governors, and local government chairpersons. It also proposed zonal rotation of presidential and governorship seats and the conduct of all elections on the same day.

Despite the setback, Ugochinyere, the lead sponsor of the bill, expressed optimism, emphasizing that further consultations would be undertaken to garner support for the proposal.

“The decision on the floor of the house will not put an end to the agitation and hope. The objective behind this bill will eventually be realized,” he said.

He described the bill’s rejection as a temporary setback, reiterating the commitment to reform Nigeria’s constitutional democracy to ensure justice, equity, and inclusiveness.

“We are determined to revisit this decision and explore avenues to reintroduce the bill through proper legislative procedures. Advocacy efforts will continue to persuade colleagues to see its merits,” Ugochinyere added.

He highlighted the benefits of the proposed reforms, noting that holding elections on the same day would reduce costs and electoral malpractice. Additionally, power rotation would ease political tensions, while a six-year single term would enable leaders to focus on fulfilling their mandates without the distractions of re-election campaigns.