Mathew Amaechi
In a pivotal session on Tuesday, members of the Nigeria’s House of Representatives decisively rejected a constitutional amendment bill seeking to institutionalise a rotational presidency among the country’s six geopolitical zones, reigniting nationwide debates over equity, federalism, and the risks of deepening regional divides.
The proposed legislation, which aimed to mandate the rotation of the offices of the president and vice president across the North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West zones, failed to secure passage during a heated debate. Lawmakers also rejected six other constitutional alteration bills, including measures to transfer political party regulation powers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and to establish grassroots fiscal oversight offices. The House, however, resolved to revisit the bills individually on Wednesday.
The debate revealed sharp divisions among legislators. Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano) led opposition to the rotational presidency bill, arguing that the Federal Character Commission already addresses equitable representation. “Rotation should not be constitutionalised. Political parties have internal mechanisms to ensure fairness,” Madaki asserted, warning against codifying a system that could “set a dangerous precedent.”
Critics echoed concerns over regional rivalry and meritocracy. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) questioned whether rotation would compromise leadership quality, stating, “This risks promoting ethnic competition over competence.” Shina Oyedeji (PDP, Oyo) warned of intra-zonal strife: “If the South West gets a turn, which state claims it? Ogun or Oyo? Agitation will persist.”
Bello El-Rufai (APC, Kaduna) invoked the 2010 constitutional crisis following President Umaru Yar’Adua’s death, asking, “What happens if a president dies mid-term? Rotation could disrupt succession protocols.” He emphasised that the bill might infringe on citizens’ rights to contest elections freely.
Supporters, however, framed rotation as a remedy for historical marginalisation. Minority Whip Ali Isa (PDP, Gombe) urged extending the principle to state governorships, stressing that all zones harbour qualified leaders. “By 2027, the North East deserves a fair shot,” he argued. Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) added that the bill could “correct injustices against minorities,” proposing a sunset clause after all zones take a turn.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided, acknowledged the “passionate” discourse but noted the bill’s failure in a voice vote. Other rejected bills included measures to create Ughelli East Local Government in Delta State and empower state auditors-general for local councils.
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