Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed his disappointment on Friday regarding the House of Representatives’ dismissal of a bill proposing a six-year term for Nigerian presidents and governors.
The legislation, which was backed by Ikenga Ugochinyere and 33 other lawmakers, was rejected during a voice vote in Thursday’s plenary session. Atiku characterized the lawmakers’ decision as regrettable, emphasizing that they overlooked the critical state of Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku had anticipated that the bill would motivate elected officials to concentrate on their duties to the public, thereby minimizing political distractions for presidents and governors.
Ibe remarked, “It is disheartening that the bill was turned down. We must ensure that the laws we enact enhance the welfare of Nigerians and reinforce democracy in both principle and practice. That was the intention behind this legislation. Unfortunately, the House failed to recognize this, and it is regrettable. We hope they will reconsider and acknowledge their error.”
The proposed legislation also aimed to facilitate the rotation of executive powers among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, promoting equitable representation and alleviating tensions surrounding state creation demands.
This rejection is not unprecedented; a similar proposal for a six-year single term for presidents and governors was dismissed during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.
Earlier in October, Atiku presented a memo to the National Assembly advocating for the rotation of the presidency between the North and South, contributing to the ongoing process of constitutional amendment.
