A new bill proposing power rotation among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones has passed its first reading in the Senate.
Sponsored by Senator Abba Patrick Moro, representing Benue South Senatorial District and serving as the Senate Minority Leader, the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024” aims to amend the constitution to enforce rotation of power at various levels of government.
The bill outlines provisions for the rotation of the presidency among the six geopolitical zones, with each state holding the office for a maximum of two terms of four years each. It also restricts zones that have previously produced a president from presenting another candidate until all other zones have had their turn.
Similarly, the bill proposes rotation of the governorship position among the three senatorial zones within each state, ensuring broader participation and representation in state governance. It prohibits senatorial zones from producing governors until all zones have had the opportunity to do so.
The bill advocates for the rotation of senatorial elections among federal constituencies within each senatorial zone to promote inclusivity and development across constituencies. It restricts federal constituencies from producing senators until all constituencies within the zone have been represented.
Additionally, The bill addresses the rotation of House of Representatives members among local governments within federal constituencies, with a focus on ensuring equitable representation and accountability.