Kehinde Fajobi
Ikenga Ugochinyere, sponsor of the constitutional amendment bill for a six-year single tenure for the president and governors, has vowed to reintroduce the proposal despite its rejection by the House of Representatives on Thursday.
The bill also sought to amend the Constitution to mandate a single-day election for all offices and enforce presidential rotation between the North, South, and geopolitical zones.
However, lawmakers dismissed the bill during its second reading, denying Ugochinyere the opportunity to debate its principles.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Ugochinyere, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Imo State, described the setback as temporary and pledged to revisit the bill after further consultations.
He said, “The struggle to reform our constitutional democracy to be all-inclusive and provide avenues for justice, equity, and fairness has not been lost.
“The decision on the floor of the House not to allow the bill for a six-year single tenure for presidency and governorship, power rotation, and holding all elections on one day to scale second reading does not put an end to agitation and hope that we will realise this objective.”
Ugochinyere reiterated the importance of the proposed changes, emphasising their potential benefits.
“If elections are held in one day, it will reduce cost and rigging. If power rotates, it will help de-escalate political tensions, and a six-year single term will help elective leaders focus on delivering their democratic mandate,” he said.
He further assured Nigerians of continued advocacy, adding, “This is a temporary setback. We are going to review this decision and find possible ways of reintroducing it after following due legislative procedures.
“All hope is not lost. We will convince our colleagues to see reason with us, and we hope that when reintroduced, they will support it.”