Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has submitted a formal request to the Senate, urging for constitutional amendments that would introduce a single six-year term for the President and state governors.
This proposal was outlined in a letter addressed to the National Assembly on Monday.
In his memorandum to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku advocated for the rotation of the presidency between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions. He suggested, “The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the federation on a single six-year term, alternating between North and South.”
Atiku also called on the National Assembly to amend Section 135(2) of the Constitution, stating that, “Subject to the provisions of subsection (1), the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years.”
Additionally, he proposed changes to Section 285(14)(a), replacing the term “aspirant” with “voter,” as well as a reform to the educational requirements for political candidates. He recommended that the minimum qualification for electoral candidates be raised from the Senior Secondary School Certificate to an Ordinary National Diploma (OND).
His suggestion for Section 65(2)(a) stated: “He has been educated up to at least an Ordinary National Diploma in any recognized academic institution.” He also proposed that candidates be required to submit evidence of all educational qualifications to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), or provide an affidavit in the case of lost certificates.
Furthermore, Atiku argued that political parties should have greater influence in the candidate selection process. He proposed amending Section 65(2)(b) to stipulate that candidates must be registered party members and that their names be submitted by their party to INEC at least 30 days before the party’s primary elections.
These proposed amendments reflect Atiku’s vision for a more structured and educationally qualified leadership selection process, alongside a restructured presidential term limit.
