A bill seeking to rotate Nigeria’s presidency among the six geopolitical zones was rejected by the House of Representatives during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, was the only one debated among several proposals that were eventually struck out. Kalu argued that the legislation would promote inclusivity and national unity.

“This will enable every part of this country to contribute to national leadership,” Kalu said. “There is no region that does not have capable people who can lead. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.”

While Ali Isa, the minority whip, and Clement Jimbo from Akwa Ibom backed the bill, saying it would promote fairness and cure long-standing marginalisation, others disagreed. Sani Madaki, Deputy Minority Leader of the NNPP, rejected the proposal, insisting that zoning should remain a political party affair. Mohammed el-Rufai from Kaduna also opposed it, warning that it could infringe on Nigerians’ constitutional rights to run for president.

After debate, Kalu called for a voice vote, but the majority of lawmakers voted against the bill.

Other bills rejected without debate included:

• A bill sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas seeking to strip INEC of its powers to register and regulate political parties.
• A bill to create the office of state auditor-general for local governments and FCT area councils.
• A bill proposing that the number of judges at the Federal High Court be not less than 100.
• A bill empowering the National Judicial Council to collaborate with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on setting judicial officers’ salaries and allowances.
• A bill to create Ughelli East LGA in Delta State.

Following the rejection, Francis Waive, Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, raised a point of order, asking that the rejected bills be reconsidered individually, as some had previously been passed or voted on. The House agreed and resolved that the committee should move a formal motion to rescind its earlier decision.

Notably, the INEC powers bill had been approved in March before being listed again in error, and the House had also rejected a similar zoning and six-year single-term presidency bill in November 2024.