The House of Representatives has taken a bold step toward reshaping Nigeria’s governance structure, as a bill seeking to establish the office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government and the President as Head of State passed its second reading on Thursday.
The proposed constitutional amendment is part of a sweeping legislative effort, with 32 bills scaling second reading in a bid to redefine Nigeria’s political landscape. If passed, the bill will fundamentally alter the 1999 Constitution by introducing a framework for the election and roles of these two executive offices.
Among the other significant bills that passed second reading is one seeking to allocate specific seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. This proposal aims to enhance gender representation in Nigeria’s legislative bodies, a long-standing demand from advocacy groups pushing for more inclusive governance.
Another bill focuses on expediting the resolution of pre-election petition matters by reducing the lengthy adjudication process. It also seeks to establish pre-election tribunals to streamline dispute resolution and regulate the suspension of National Assembly members from legislative duties.
In a further move to refine the nation’s electoral process, lawmakers also debated a bill to amend the qualifications required for individuals seeking election as President, Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors. The proposed adjustments are expected to raise the bar for political leadership and ensure a more competent pool of candidates.
The legislative agenda also included a bill addressing the political status of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in relation to presidential elections. Additionally, proposals for the creation of two new states—Wan State and Gobir State—gained momentum as they passed their second reading.
With the latest developments, the total number of constitutional amendment bills that have successfully progressed to the second reading now stands at 113. This signals a potential transformation in Nigeria’s governance, electoral process, and state structure, setting the stage for further debates and possible passage in the coming legislative sessions.
The proposed changes, particularly the introduction of a Prime Ministerial system, could mark a historic shift in Nigeria’s political framework, potentially altering the balance of power and governance efficiency in Africa’s largest democracy.
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