NewsNigeriaPoliticsLawmakers Propose 2 Vice Presidents, Zonal Rotation for Presidency

The group, who called themselves “Reform-minded lawmakers”, disclosed the proposed constitutional changes at a press conference on Monday.

The proposed amendment also includes the rotation of the presidency among the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to ensure equal representation and reduce the desperation for the creation of states.

The lawmakers also proposed the creation of two vice presidents from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria.

The first vice president would be the successor in the event of the president’s inability to serve, while the second would take on the role of minister in charge of the economy.

Both vice presidents, to be referred to as Vice President (succession) and Vice President (Administration and Economy), would also hold ministerial positions. The group said this would enhance the executive’s capacity to manage the country’s economic affairs effectively.

The bill also recommends stringent penalties, including long-term imprisonment, for any misuse of local government funds.

Moreover, the amendment seeks to modify the Electoral Act to mandate that all federal and state elections be conducted simultaneously. This change aims to streamline the electoral process and reduce the logistical and financial burdens associated with staggered elections.

The group is also proposing that the Electoral Act be amended to make provision for the conduct and conclusion of all elections and election-related litigation within six months before the swearing-in of the elected person.

The spokesperson of the group, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato South and North federal constituency of Imo State, said the proposals were in line with “some identified distortions, defects, and limitations that call for urgent, focused, and realistic attention” in Nigeria’s current political arrangement.

The lawmaker said the bill has passed the first reading stage in the House.