Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has formally requested the National Assembly to amend the Constitution, proposing a six-year single term for the President and state governors.
In a memorandum to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku also advocated for the rotation of the presidency between Nigeria’s North and South. This proposal mirrors a similar idea supported by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during his administration.
Atiku emphasized the importance of a six-year single term, stating, “The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the federation on a single term of six years, alternating between the North and South.” He urged the National Assembly to amend Section 135(2) of the Constitution to specify that the President shall vacate office after a six-year term.
In addition to the tenure reform, Atiku proposed other significant changes, including:
– A revision of Section 285(14)(a) to allow “a voter” to substitute an aspirant.
– Raising the minimum educational qualification for presidential candidates from a Senior Secondary School Certificate to an Ordinary National Diploma (OND). He suggested amending Section 65(2)(a) to reflect this change, requiring that candidates submit educational certificates or an affidavit in the case of lost documents.
– A proposal to grant political parties more authority in the candidate selection process, amending Section 65(2)(b) to ensure candidates are officially registered with their political party and sponsored by the party 30 days before primary elections
Atiku’s recommendations come as part of his ongoing push for constitutional reforms, following the 2023 general elections.
