Kehinde Fajobi
As the latest phase of the 1999 Constitution review begins, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has proposed key amendments, including a call for the presidency to rotate among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with each president serving a single six-year term.
This proposal is aimed at ensuring balance between the North and South regions of the country.
In a letter dated 30 August 2024, addressed to Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Atiku also highlighted other critical areas for reform. His recommendations include raising educational standards for political candidates, enhancing internal democracy within political parties, and reinforcing party discipline to prevent political parties from violating constitutional and electoral rules.
According to the documents, Atiku called for the amendment of Section 135(2) of the constitution to state: “Subject to the provisions of the subsection (1), the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years commencing from the date.”
He emphasised that his proposals seek to curb political indiscipline, strengthen party structures, and improve the quality of leadership in Nigeria.
According to him, “The implication of the above is that political parties are allowed very wide latitude to breach the perimeter of laws on elections.”
Atiku also expressed concern over internal party conflicts, often leading to violent takeovers, which, in his view, destabilise Nigeria’s democracy.
He stated: “Such indiscipline by political parties and infidelity to the electoral parameters yield chaos in the system. The above amendments will enthrone the discipline that is needed in a democracy.”
The former vice president urged the National Assembly to adopt these reforms to address the shortcomings in the current electoral framework, ensuring a stronger, more disciplined political system in Nigeria.