House of Representatives has rejected a bill proposing the rotation of the presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Gatekeepers News reports that the bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, aimed to promote inclusivity and national unity by allowing each region to contribute to national leadership.
Kalu argued that the bill would “enable every part of this country to contribute to the national leadership of this country… It would increase national cohesion and national unity. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.”
However, not all lawmakers agreed. Sani Madaki, Deputy Minority Leader, opposed the bill, stating that zoning should be a political party affair.
Other lawmakers had varying opinions. Ali Isa, Minority Whip, supported the bill, saying it would address marginalization and promote fairness.
Clement Jimbo, a lawmaker from Akwa Ibom, also backed the bill, arguing it would “cure an age-long injustice” in the country.
Conversely, Mohammed el-Rufai from Kaduna expressed concerns that the bill could violate Nigerians’ constitutional rights to run for president.
After the debate, lawmakers voted against the bill. Following its rejection, the House resolved to propose a motion to rescind its decision.
