In a major legislative decision, the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, rejected a constitutional amendment bill proposing the rotation of the offices of the President and Vice President among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The bill, which was among seven constitutional alteration proposals listed for consideration, failed to scale through second reading after a heated debate and subsequent voice vote on the floor of the House.
The rejected bill sought to institutionalise rotational presidency between the North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West zones as a constitutional provision. However, lawmakers largely opposed the move, citing fears of promoting ethnic division and undermining the quality of national leadership.
Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki led the opposition, stating that existing political party structures and the Federal Character Commission already ensure fair representation in national leadership. He warned that embedding zoning in the constitution could set a “dangerous precedent.”
Similarly, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) argued that the proposed law might compromise the quality of leadership and deepen regional tensions. “The rotation principle will only fuel ethnic rivalry,” he said.
Shina Oyedeji (PDP, Oyo) added that such a policy could spark fresh agitation across states within each zone. “Will it be Ogun or Oyo if the presidency is zoned to the South West?” he questioned.
Bello Mohammed El-Rufai also cautioned that the bill could infringe on citizens’ rights to contest for office. He raised concerns about presidential succession in unforeseen situations, citing the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as a reference point.
However, some lawmakers backed the idea. Minority Whip Ali Isa supported rotational leadership at both federal and state levels, advocating equity among Nigeria’s zones. Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) echoed similar sentiments, arguing the bill aimed to redress historic marginalisation of minority groups.
In addition to rejecting the rotational presidency bill, the House also dismissed six other constitutional amendment bills. These include proposals to strip the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its power to register political parties, establish State Auditors-General for Local Governments, and create Ughelli East Local Government Area in Delta State.
Despite Tuesday’s rejections, the House resolved to reconsider the bills individually on Wednesday, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas promising that each proposal would be evaluated on its merits.
The rejection of the rotational presidency bill underscores continued national debate over power sharing, equity, and constitutional reform ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
