The Nigerian House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to rotate the offices of the President and Vice President across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
This bill was one of seven constitutional amendment bills turned down on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
The lawmakers argued that the bill could set a dangerous precedent, compromising leadership quality and promoting ethnic and regional rivalry. Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki stated that existing institutions, such as the Federal Character Commission, have already addressed the issues the bill seeks to remedy.
Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) questioned the practicality of the proposal, warning that it could compromise leadership quality. Shina Peller Oyedeji (PDP, Oyo) noted that enshrining rotation in the Constitution could lead to further agitation, even within regions. Bello Mohammed El-Rufai cautioned that the amendment could infringe on citizens’ constitutional rights.
Despite the rejection, the House resolved to revisit the bills on Wednesday and assess each on its merits. Currently, Nigeria does not have a constitutionally backed provision for the rotation of the President and Vice President’s offices.
