Legislative Debate: Single-Tenure Bill Sparks Controversy Amid Calls for Electoral Overhaul

The Principal Spokesperson, Peter Obi/ Datti Baba-Ahmed Presidential Campaign Council for 2023, Yunusa Tanko, emphasized the urgent need for electoral reform to enhance democracy over the suggested six-year single-term and rotational presidency.
Mr. Tanko, a former National Chairman of the defunct National Conscience Party, expressed this sentiment during an interview on Tuesday.
He stressed that reforming the electoral process is vital to ensuring the emergence of credible leaders at all levels of government.

He further stated that prioritizing the deepening of democracy to facilitate the emergence of credible leaders should be a primary consideration in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
“The decisions regarding a single six-year term and rotational presidency will be made by the Nigerian people when the time is right. These matters should not be the primary focus of current discussions. What we truly need at this moment is a comprehensive electoral reform that will pave the way for transparent elections. Once this is achieved, we can address the issue of term length,” Mr. Tanko asserted.
He urged the National Assembly to concentrate on enhancing the electoral process rather than deliberating on term lengths to foster democracy.
“Let us revamp the electoral system to ensure transparency and accountability, thereby facilitating credible elections,” he urged.

Additionally, the National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Shettima Yerima, acknowledged the merits of a single six-year term for the president and governors, as well as a rotational presidency. However, he raised concerns about the democratic implications of a rotational presidency.
Mr. Yerima, also a prominent rights activist, commented, “The concept is commendable. My only reservation is regarding the rotational aspect. We must uphold democratic principles. The individual with the majority should prevail, while those without the majority should exercise patience and await their turn. Nonetheless, this proposal, while not without its challenges, is commendable. A single term for each leader to govern and then step down.”
A bill proposing a single six-year term for presidents and state governors was recently introduced by 35 members of the House of Representatives.
The bill also advocates for the rotation of the presidency among the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Members of the Reformed-minded Legislators, the group behind the bill, asserted that these measures would reduce the cost of governance and promote national unity, seamless power transitions, and overall development in the country.