Atiku Abubakar Proposes Constitutional Amendments for Single Term Presidency

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has submitted a memorandum to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, advocating for a six-year single term for presidents and governors. He also proposed rotational presidency between the North and South

“The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the federation on a single term of six years, flowing between the North and South on the single term of six years respectively,” Atiku stated.

Atiku’s proposal echoes his long-standing support for a single term presidency, dating back to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency. Following the 2023 elections, Atiku has continued to champion this tenure proposal.

To implement this change, Atiku urged the National Assembly to amend Section 135(2) to read: “Subject to the provisions of subsection (1), the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years.” He also suggested substituting “an aspirant” with “a voter” in Section 285(14)(a).

Additionally, Atiku proposed raising the minimum educational qualification for presidential candidates from Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination to Ordinary National Diploma. This would involve amending Section 65(2)(a) to require candidates to have been educated up to at least Ordinary National Diploma in a recognized academic institution.

Atiku further recommended inserting a paragraph in Section 65(2)(a)(i) to require candidates to submit evidence of educational qualifications or an affidavit in case of lost certificates.

To strengthen political parties’ role in candidate selection, Atiku proposed amending Section 65(2)(b) to require candidates to be members of a political party registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission 30 days before the party’s primary.

These proposed amendments aim to promote rotational governance, reduce political tensions, and ensure better representation for all geopolitical zones.

The National Assembly has received Atiku’s proposals, but it remains to be seen if it will be implemented.