House of Reps Rejects Rotational Presidency, INEC Reform Bills Amid Constitutional Amendment Push…The Nigerian House of Representatives has voted down two key constitutional amendment proposals that aimed to fundamentally reshape the structure of political leadership and the regulation of political parties in the country.
The bills, which were presented during a plenary session, sparked vigorous reactions from within and outside the National Assembly, as they sought to introduce sweeping changes to the nation’s political and electoral systems.
The first bill, championed by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) and co-sponsored by 33 lawmakers, proposed a single six-year term for the offices of the president, state governors, and local government chairpersons. It also sought to institutionalize a rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and harmonize all general elections to take place on the same day. The underlying goal of the bill, according to its proponents, was to foster inclusivity, reduce the financial burden of conducting staggered elections, and create a more stable political environment by ensuring that no region of the country feels marginalized in national leadership.
However, when the bill was presented for a second reading in the chamber, it was met with significant resistance. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, after putting the bill to a voice vote, declared that the majority of lawmakers opposed its progression. The rejection came without a full debate, indicating a lack of consensus or perhaps even interest in such a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s political framework at this time.
Despite the setback, Ugochinyere and his co-sponsors maintained that the push for constitutional reform is far from over. They expressed disappointment in the House’s decision but vowed to reintroduce the proposal after further consultation with stakeholders, civil society groups, and political leaders across the country. According to them, the idea of a rotational presidency is aimed at strengthening national unity and guaranteeing that all regions of the country feel a sense of belonging in the Nigerian project.
In another legislative move that stirred intense discourse, the House also advanced a separate bill that proposes stripping the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its current power to register and regulate political parties. The bill, which successfully passed its second reading, seeks to establish a new body — the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties — to handle these responsibilities independently.
Co-sponsored by Speaker Abbas and Rep. Marcus Onobun (PDP, Edo), the proposed legislation outlines the creation of a Political Parties Regulatory Commission and a Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. The commission would be tasked with overseeing party registrations, monitoring funding, and enforcing internal democracy within political organizations. The tribunal would have the authority to resolve intra-party disputes and penalize parties that violate the law.
Proponents of the bill argue that transferring these responsibilities away from INEC would allow the commission to focus exclusively on the conduct of elections, enhancing its effectiveness and credibility. They believe that an independent registrar would ensure greater accountability in party operations, curb the proliferation of unviable parties, and uphold internal democratic processes within party structures.
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However, critics have warned that the creation of an entirely new body could lead to bureaucratic duplication and political interference. They argue that the problem lies not in INEC’s role, but in the political will to enforce existing laws and ensure party compliance. Some analysts also raised concerns about the funding and operational independence of the proposed registrar and tribunal.
The rejection of the rotational presidency bill and the forward movement of the INEC reform proposal reflect the complexities of Nigeria’s evolving democratic journey. As constitutional amendment efforts continue, many Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the National Assembly will embrace deeper reforms that promote political inclusivity, transparency, and stability.
The conversation around governance reform in Nigeria is far from over. These legislative developments may have stalled or accelerated certain aspects of it, but they have certainly reignited public interest in how the country’s democratic structures can be improved for the betterment of all.
