Nigerian lawmakers have proposed a single six-year term for President and Governors to reduce campaign costs and enhance governance efficiency. A group of over 30 lawmakers in the House of Representatives under the aegis of the Reform Minded Legislators are seeking constitutional alterations to provide for the rotation of executive powers among the six geopolitical zones.
The lawmakers aim to amend the constitution to provide for a single tenure of six years for the President and Governors of Nigeria, stating that it would lead to reduced government spending, eliminate wastage, bring about efficiency in governance, and ensure national stability. Co-sponsor of the reformers’ bills, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, explained that the electoral reform bills have gone through first reading and will proceed to a second reading on the House floor.
The proposed bills aim to reduce the cost of governance and campaigns, unite the country, ensure seamless transition and continuity, promote justice, equity, and independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and ensure efficient use of state resources. Ugochinyere emphasized the group’s commitment to using legislation to reform Nigeria’s political process, constitutional, and electoral systems.
The lawmakers are proposing several amendments, including constitutional alterations to provide for the rotation of executive powers among the six geopolitical zones, recognizing the division of Nigeria into six geopolitical zones, and creating a single tenure of six years for the President and Governors. They also propose creating the office of two vice presidents from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria and amendments to ensure financial autonomy and accountability of Local Government Councils.
Electoral reforms are also part of the proposed bills, aiming to ensure that all elections are held on the same day, prevent declaration of false election results, resolve election-related litigations before swearing-in elected officials, conclude elections and related litigations within six months, and provide election-related documents and materials to participants for scrutiny.