60 Nigerian Lawmakers Advocate for Transition from Presidential to Parliamentary System
ABUJA, NIGERIA – A group of 60 lawmakers has initiated a bold move to end Nigeria’s current presidential system, advocating for a return to the parliamentary system that was in place during Nigeria’s First Republic. Led by the Parliamentary Group, the lawmakers introduced a constitution alteration bill on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, setting in motion a potential transition to a parliamentary system by 2031.
The group, represented by spokesperson Abdulsamad Dasuki, expressed dissatisfaction with the costly nature of the presidential system and the extensive powers held by the president. They highlighted the high cost of governance under the current system, which they believe has hindered the nation’s development progress, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“The imperfections of the Presidential System of Government have become glaring to all,” Mr. Dasuki stated. “Despite several alterations to the constitution, the system has denied the nation the opportunity to attain its full potential.”
Nigeria previously operated under a parliamentary system, but it was disrupted by the 1966 coup. The current proposal aims to revert to the First Republic system, with a prime minister serving as the head of government, similar to the British system. In a parliamentary system, the executive branch derives its legitimacy and authority from the legislative branch, fostering efficient decision-making and policy implementation.
However, some experts have raised concerns about the parliamentary system’s potential to polarize the country, as the prime minister does not need to be acceptable to the majority of citizens. Additionally, the timing of the proposed legislation, coinciding with the end of a potential second term for President Bola Tinubu, has raised suspicions about political motives.
The group acknowledges that passing the bill within the current Assembly may be challenging and has set a timeline of 2031 for the constitutional amendment to allow for the transition. They hope to spark a conversation about the effectiveness of the current presidential system and the benefits of returning to a parliamentary system.
The coalition includes members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), indicating bipartisan support for the proposed transition. As the proposal progresses, it is expected to stimulate broader discussions about Nigeria’s governance structure and its implications for the country’s future development.
