The House of Representatives has rejected two significant constitutional amendment bills. The first, which proposed a rotational presidency and vice presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, was sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu. The bill aimed to ensure fair representation across regions but faced opposition from figures such as Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki, who argued the matter should remain outside the constitution, with political parties already handling equitable representation. Other lawmakers, including Shina Oyedeji and Sada Soli, expressed concerns about potential divisions and the possible detriment to quality leadership.
The second rejected bill sought to transfer the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Office of the Registrar-General of Political Parties, stripping INEC of its authority to register and regulate political parties. This proposal, co-sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Francis Waive, was also voted down.
Additional rejected bills included proposals to establish independent auditors for state and local governments, expand the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction, and enhance the salaries and benefits of judicial officers. Despite some support for these bills, a majority of lawmakers voted against them after a voice vote. Following the rejections, the House Committee on Rules and Business requested the Speaker reconsider the decisions, but procedural rules hindered immediate action on this request.
