Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the National Assembly to consider significant constitutional amendments.
In a memorandum submitted to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku proposed a six-year single-term limit for both the President and state governors.
The former Vice President called for a rotational presidency between the Northern and Southern regions, aimed at fostering unity and national cohesion. He advocated for revising Section 135(2) of the Constitution to read, “The President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years.”
Atiku also called for reforms to Section 285(14)(a), suggesting the substitution of the term “an aspirant” with “a voter” to enhance electoral accountability.
In a bid to elevate the educational qualifications of political candidates, he proposed that the minimum requirement for election should be an Ordinary National Diploma (OND), instead of the current Senior Secondary School Certificate.
His recommendations also included a more stringent vetting process for candidates, with evidence of educational qualifications to be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), or affidavits in cases of lost certificates.
Additionally, Atiku urged the National Assembly to strengthen the role of political parties in candidate selection, ensuring transparency in party primaries.