In a significant legislative development, the House of Representatives has progressed a bill through its second reading, aiming to introduce the Office of the Prime Minister as the Head of Government while retaining the President as the Head of State. The bill also seeks to define the electoral framework governing these offices and associated regulations.
Spearheaded by House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda alongside 59 co-sponsors, the proposed legislation is part of broader constitutional reforms intended to enhance governance efficiency.
Beyond the restructuring of executive offices, lawmakers are advocating for comprehensive changes to electoral procedures. One proposed bill suggests modifications in the election of State Governors, Deputy Governors, and the appointment of State Commissioners, aiming to strengthen state-level governance. Similarly, another bill is focused on revising the method of electing Local Government Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen to ensure a more transparent and accountable process.
Further reinforcing Nigeria’s electoral integrity, legislators have introduced a bill to expedite pre-election dispute resolutions through the creation of specialized pre-election tribunals. This move follows growing concerns about prolonged legal battles, particularly in the wake of the recent six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after her controversial exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
A pivotal piece of legislation under review proposes modifications to the simple majority system in presidential and gubernatorial elections. Additionally, another bill seeks to grant the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly the authority to summon the President and State Governors to address pressing national security and governance concerns.
In an effort to refine the country’s political landscape, lawmakers are also considering transferring the responsibility of registering and regulating political parties from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Office of the Registrar General of Political Parties, a move that aims to streamline party administration.
Addressing financial planning efficiency, the House has approved the second reading of a bill mandating strict timelines for the submission of the Appropriations Bill. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu has set a March 31, 2025, deadline for lawmakers proposing the creation of new states to submit their requests in accordance with constitutional guidelines. While 30 new state proposals have been put forward, none currently meet the required constitutional threshold.
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All constitutional amendment bills will now be forwarded to the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, for in-depth evaluation. These legislative initiatives signal a concerted effort to refine governance structures, improve electoral transparency, and reinforce democratic accountability in Nigeria.
