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Atiku Slams Reps For Rejecting Six-Year Single Term Bill

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1 month ago

Nov 22, 2024.

Former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticized the House of Representatives for rejecting a bill proposing a six-year single term for the President and governors.

The bill, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere and 33 others, sought constitutional amendments to sections 76, 116, 132, and 136 of the 1999 Constitution to establish a single term for the President and state governors, with provisions for rotational presidency between the North and South.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that during Thursday’s plenary, the lawmakers voted against the bill after Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called a voice vote.

The proposed amendments also included simultaneous elections for all offices and stipulations for succession in case of the President-elect’s death or inability to take office.

Atiku, who had earlier advocated for the six-year term in a letter to the National Assembly in 2022, expressed disappointment through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe. He argued that the lawmakers failed to recognize the critical state of the nation and missed an opportunity to strengthen governance by reducing the distractions of re-election campaigns.

“It is unfortunate that the House rejected this amendment,” Ibe said. “A six-year single term would enable leaders to focus entirely on governance without being encumbered by second-term ambitions.

Atiku Six-Year Single Term Bill

“This law was intended to strengthen democracy and promote inclusivity, yet the lawmakers failed to see its importance.”

The rejected bill also proposed barring governors who complete another’s term from seeking re-election and emphasized curbing wastage from frequent elections. Despite the setback, Atiku’s camp hopes the proposal will be revisited to enhance Nigeria’s democratic framework.