The House of Representatives has rejected a bill proposing amendments to the 1999 Constitution to establish a single six-year term for the President, State Governors, and Local Government Chairpersons. Sponsored by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) and 33 co-sponsors, the bill also sought zonal rotation of presidential and governorship offices and simultaneous elections for key political offices.

The proposed amendments aimed to address governance inclusivity and reduce the financial and administrative burdens associated with frequent elections. Key provisions included altering Sections 76, 116, 132, 136, and others of the 1999 Constitution.

The bill suggested that elections for the presidency be rotated between the North and South every six years, with additional provisions for rotation among the three geopolitical zones within each region. It also proposed holding all elections—Presidential, Gubernatorial, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government—on the same date, to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in consultation with the National Assembly.

Additional amendments addressed scenarios where a President-elect could not assume office, stipulating that the Vice President-elect would be sworn in as President, with authority to appoint a new Vice President subject to National Assembly approval. The bill also sought to ensure mid-term accountability for Governors by mandating a performance report to their respective State Houses of Assembly. Unsatisfactory performance could result in a vote of no confidence and impeachment proceedings.

Despite its ambitious scope, the bill was met with opposition. When put to a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary session, the majority of lawmakers rejected the proposal, signaling a preference to retain the current constitutional framework.