A legislative proposal is generating significant debate in Nigeria as the House of Representatives considers a Bill to change the presidency and state governorships to a single six-year term. Introduced by a group of 35 members known as ‘The Reformers,’ the Bill also proposes rotating the presidency among the six geopolitical zones and adding a second vice president.
Ikenga Ugochinyere, a representative from Imo under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a member of The Reformers, explained that the changes aim to address regional agitations, reduce governance costs, and promote national unity. The lawmakers argue that a single, longer term could reduce the political instability associated with re-election campaigns and allow leaders to focus more on governance rather than electoral politics.
The proposal has sparked controversy and considerable debate among House members. Critics argue that current systems are sufficient if led by purposeful leaders and stress the need for appropriate sanctions for corruption. However, supporters believe the Bill would reduce infighting for second terms, encourage impactful governance, and ensure fairer rotation of power among geopolitical zones and state senatorial districts, addressing long-standing issues of marginalization.