The House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the rotation of the offices of the President and Vice President among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, aimed to legally enforce power rotation among the North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West regions to promote fairness and national unity.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution to Provide for the Principle of Rotation of the Offices of the President and Vice President” (HB. 2291), the proposal was debated during Tuesday’s plenary session.
While some lawmakers, including Rep Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe), supported the bill, saying it would create a sense of belonging for all zones, the majority opposed it.
Rep Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano) argued that the constitution already addresses fairness through the federal character principle and that zoning should remain a party decision.
Others, like Rep Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) and Rep Shina Oyedeji, said the bill could undermine merit and promote ethnic division, stressing that democracy thrives on open competition.
Kalu defended the bill, saying all zones have capable individuals and that rotation would enhance national inclusivity. However, after a heated debate, a voice vote was held, and the majority of lawmakers shouted “nay,” leading to the bill’s rejection. The Deputy Speaker, who presided over the session, upheld the decision.
