Atiku Advocates for Six-Year Tenure for Presidents and Governors

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, has formally submitted a letter to the Senate requesting a significant amendment to the Nigerian Constitution. In his proposal, Atiku advocates for the President and state governors to be allowed to serve a single six-year term instead of the current system that permits them to seek re-election for multiple terms.

In a comprehensive memorandum addressed to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku outlined his vision, suggesting that the presidency should alternate between the North and South of Nigeria. This rotational approach aims to foster unity and inclusivity among the various geopolitical zones in the country.

Atiku Abubakar

It is noteworthy that this idea is not entirely new; during his tenure, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo also advocated for a similar structure, promoting the concept of a single six-year term for elected officials. Following the 2023 general elections, Atiku reaffirmed his support for this tenure plan, believing it to be a step towards improving governance in Nigeria.

Atiku specifically stated, “The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the federation on a single term of six years, flowing between the North and South on the single term of six years, respectively.” He emphasized the importance of this proposal in ensuring fair representation for all regions of Nigeria.

Furthermore, he called upon the National Assembly to amend Section 135(2) of the Constitution to reflect his suggestions. He proposed that the section be revised to read: ‘Subject to the provisions of subsection (1), the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years.’ This change would institutionalize the single six-year term for future leaders.

In addition to the presidential term, Atiku put forth another significant recommendation regarding the electoral process. He suggested the “substitution of an aspirant” in Section 285(14)(a) with “a voter,” aiming to enhance the democratic process by ensuring that the voice of the electorate is prioritized.

Additionally, Atiku recommended that the minimum educational qualification required for individuals aspiring to run for election be lowered to the Ordinary National Diploma (OND), rather than the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE). He proposed an amendment to Section 65(2)(a) to read: “He has been educated up to at least Ordinary National Diploma in any recognised academic institution.” This change would potentially open the political landscape to a wider range of candidates, encouraging more participation from individuals with diverse educational backgrounds.

Moreover, Atiku suggested the insertion of a new paragraph in Section 65(2)(a)(i), stating: “Evidence of certificates of all educational qualifications of a candidate shall be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission or an affidavit by the candidate in the event of loss of his/her educational certificates, qualifications obtained, and dates, stating the schools attended.” This measure would enhance transparency in the electoral process by ensuring that candidates provide proof of their educational qualifications.

Lastly, the former Vice President advocated for political parties to be granted greater authority in the candidate selection process. He proposed an amendment to Section 65(2)(b) to read: ‘He is a member of a political party whose name is in the register to be made available by his political party to the Independent National Electoral Commission 30 days before the conduct of the political party’s primary, and he is sponsored by that party.’ This amendment aims to strengthen party structures and ensure that candidates are adequately vetted before entering the electoral race, thereby improving the overall quality of representation in the country.

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