A proposed constitutional amendment to institutionalize rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones was rejected by the House of Representatives during a heated plenary session on Tuesday. Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the bill sought to mandate the rotation of the offices of President and Vice President across the North Central, North West, North East, South West, South East, and South South zones. 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,” it faced strong opposition from lawmakers who argued it could deepen ethnic divisions and undermine merit-based leadership.
Critics, including Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano) and Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), contended that the existing federal character principle already ensures equitable representation, emphasizing that zoning should remain a political party decision rather than a constitutional mandate. Soli warned that codifying rotation might prioritize regional identity over competence, while Bello El-Rufai (APC, Kaduna) cautioned against inflaming tensions in a politically polarized nation. Supporters like Ali Isa (PDP, Gombe) defended the bill as a tool for fostering inclusion and regional equity. Deputy Speaker Kalu argued the proposal aimed to ensure fair access to leadership roles, but the bill was ultimately voted down by a majority through a voice vote.
