- Atiku also called for changes to the educational qualifications required for political candidates and reforms to promote internal democracy within political parties.
- He emphasized the need to prevent the violent takeover of parties and ensure they operate within democratic frameworks.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has put forth significant constitutional amendments to enhance Nigeria’s democratic framework.
He advocates for a rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones to ensure balanced representation and suggests enhancing educational qualifications for political candidates and strengthening internal party democracy.
Atiku’s proposals, dated August 30, 2024, were addressed to Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.
According to his media aide, Paul Ibe, these recommendations aim to improve Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, particularly as the National Assembly revises the 1999 Constitution.
The proposed amendments, Atiku explains “seek to raise the standard of the educational qualification of political office seekers,” and address other critical issues.
He also seeks to prevent violent takeovers of political parties, reduce tendencies to breach electoral laws, and promote discipline within parties.
“Such indiscipline by political parties and infidelity to electoral parameters yield chaos in the system,” he notes.
“The above amendments will enthrone the discipline that is needed in a democracy.”
Atiku’s rotational presidency proposal involves amending sections 130(1), 135(2), and 137(1)(b) to establish a single six-year term rotating between the North and South.
As the 2023 presidential election’s opposition flagbearer, Atiku’s recommendations target areas needing improvement in Nigeria’s election laws.