Former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has submitted a proposal to the National Assembly seeking a constitutional amendment to allow for a six-year single term for the President and state governors. In his memorandum to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku also called for the presidency to rotate between the North and South.
Atiku’s proposal aligns with previous advocacy by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who also pushed for a single six-year term during his tenure. Following the 2023 elections, Atiku has consistently supported this idea, stating that the presidency should rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the federation, alternating between the North and South.
In his submission, Atiku urged the National Assembly to amend Section 135(2) of the Constitution, specifying that the President should vacate office after a single six-year term. He also suggested changes to election laws, including a proposal to raise the minimum educational qualification for candidates to the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) instead of the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Additionally, Atiku recommended that political parties have greater control over candidate selection and called for candidates to submit their educational qualifications or provide affidavits in case of lost certificates. He believes these amendments would enhance the electoral process and improve governance in Nigeria.