The House of Representatives has voted down a bill proposing a single six-year term for the President and State Governors.
The bill was rejected during the plenary session on Thursday, following its second reading.
Sponsored by Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and 33 co-sponsors, the bill aimed to amend the 1999 Constitution to introduce a six-year, non-renewable term for both the President and Governors.
It also included provisions to synchronize all elections to be held on the same day and other related amendments.
Titled, “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to create a single term of six years for the office of President and State Governors, recognize the division of Nigeria into six geopolitical zones, provide for the rotation of the offices of President, Governors, and Local Government Council Chairmen among the regions and zones, and provide that all elections be held on a single day, and for Related Matters (HB. 1511),” the bill was introduced by Rep. Ugochinyere and seconded by another lawmaker.
However, when put to a voice vote by Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen, members overwhelmingly shouted “Nay,” signaling their opposition.
The Speaker then declared that the “Nays” had it, meaning the bill failed to pass the second reading and would not proceed further.