Alhaji Sufianu Kazeem, a close associate of Bashorun MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, has urged prominent politicians like former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate Peter Obi to put aside personal ambitions and work with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for the nation’s progress.
Kazeem emphasized the importance of collaboration, encouraging political parties to form alliances with Tinubu to advance the country and avoid hate speech that could harm it.
He stated that Atiku and his peers should “set aside personal ambitions and focus on meaningful contributions to national development.”
Regarding Atiku’s proposal for a six-year single-term presidency, Kazeem expressed support, suggesting that it should extend beyond the presidency to include state governors and national and state assemblies.
“It is not too late for the former Vice President to advocate for this initiative,” Kazeem said.
Atiku’s proposal, outlined in a letter to Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, advocates for a rotational presidency between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions, with each region serving a single term of six years.
The letter, dated August 29, 2024, reads, “The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the Federation on a single term of six years flowing between the North and South on the single term of six years respectively.”
Additionally, Atiku proposed amending Section 135 (2) to read, “Subject to the provisions of subsection 1, the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years commencing from the date when he has been elected to such office.”
Kazeem believes the National Assembly should consider this proposal, emphasizing its potential to foster national development. By calling for cooperation and constitutional reform, Kazeem and Atiku aim to promote unity and progress in Nigeria, building on the country’s democratic foundations.