The House of Representatives has rejected a proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution that sought to introduce rotational presidency and vice presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, was titled: “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for the Principle of Rotation of the Offices of the President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria among the Six Geopolitical Zones of the Country, Namely: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West; and for Related Matters (HB. 2291).”
According to report, the proposal was one of seven constitution amendment bills listed for second reading on Tuesday’s Order Paper in the House.
During plenary, after the House Leader read out the titles of the seven bills, the Deputy Speaker, who also presided over the session, opened the floor for lawmakers to debate and make contributions on the proposed amendments.
During the debate, Rep. Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano) opposed the bill, arguing that the Constitution already addresses the concerns it seeks to resolve through the principle of federal character. He maintained that the zoning of the presidency should remain the prerogative of political parties and does not need to be embedded in the Constitution.
In contrast, Rep. Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) supported the bill, stating that constitutionalizing rotational presidency would promote fairness and give all six geopolitical zones a sense of inclusion in national leadership.
Rep. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) also spoke against the bill, warning that such a provision would harm national unity. He argued that embedding rotational presidency in the Constitution could prioritize regional balancing over merit and competence.
“It could play up regional and ethnic interests over competency. It will encourage limited choice of people that can vie for office and it will encourage regional rivalry which negates the spirit of unity,” Soli said.
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In response to Soli’s argument, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu dismissed concerns about the promotion of mediocrity, insisting that every geopolitical zone in Nigeria has competent and capable individuals qualified to hold the offices of president and vice president.
He explained that the primary aim of the bill was to ensure inclusive governance by giving all regions a fair opportunity to contribute to the leadership and development of the nation.
However, Rep. Shina Oyedeji opposed the bill, arguing that democracy thrives on healthy competition. He said introducing zoning and regional considerations into the Constitution undermines the core principles of democracy.
“Everybody should be given the chance to stand and contest an election in any given opportunity,” he said.
Rep. Bello El-Rufai (APC, Kaduna) also opposed the bill, warning that embedding rotational presidency in the Constitution could fuel regional and ethnic tensions, especially in a country as ethnically diverse as Nigeria.
Following intense debate, the Deputy Speaker put the bill to a voice vote. The majority of lawmakers responded with a resounding “nay,” signaling their opposition.
The Deputy Speaker then upheld the decision, ruling in favour of the nays.
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