If passed into law, the bill would prohibit certain regions from fielding presidential candidates based on their previous occupancy of the presidency since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999. The proposed legislation seeks to amend Section 133 of the 1999 Constitution by introducing subsections that outline a rotational system for the presidency and governorship positions. Under the proposed law, the presidency would rotate among the six geo-political zones, with each state holding the office for a maximum of two terms.
Additionally, any zone that has produced a president would be ineligible to field another candidate until all other zones have taken their turns. Similar provisions are proposed for the governorship positions, with a rotation mandated among the three senatorial zones within each state. Ojema Ojetu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, asserts that the bill is designed to promote inclusion, participation, and representation in Nigeria’s democracy. However, its passage would require support not only from the federal legislature but also from state assemblies across the country. Should Ojotu secure the necessary backing from his colleagues in Abuja, the bill would mark a significant departure from the status quo, potentially affecting the upcoming 2027 general election and beyond. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
