Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for changes to the constitution, urging a six-year single term for both the President and state governors. He made this request in a letter to the National Assembly, highlighting the need for constitutional reforms.
In his proposal to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku suggested that the presidency should rotate between the North and South, with a single six-year term for each geopolitical zone. He stated, “The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the federation, with a six-year term rotating between the North and South.”
Atiku also recommended amending Section 135(2) to ensure that the President steps down after completing a six-year term, as well as changes to Section 285(14)(a) to allow a “voter” to replace an “aspirant” in relevant cases.
Additionally, he proposed raising the minimum educational qualification for presidential candidates to an Ordinary National Diploma (OND), replacing the current Senior Secondary School Certificate requirement. He advocated for further amendments in Section 65(2)(a) to reflect this new educational standard.
Atiku also emphasized that political parties should have greater involvement in candidate selection. He called for an amendment to Section 65(2)(b), ensuring that political parties submit a list of members eligible to run for office at least 30 days before primaries, and that candidates are fully backed by their party.
