APC Supports Reps Demand For Parliamentary System Of Govt

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming constitutional amendment process, 60 members of the House of Representatives have introduced a bill advocating for the transition from the current presidential system to a parliamentary system of governance.

The bill, titled “Bills proposing constitutional alterations for a transition to parliamentary system of government,” spearheaded by House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and 59 others, received its first reading during Wednesday’s plenary session.

While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the lawmakers’ role as representatives of the people and their freedom to determine the most suitable governance model, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced concerns.

APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, highlighted the party’s commitment to progress and good governance, stating that the proposed transition aligns with their vision for effective governance and reduced administrative costs.

Contrary to APC’s stance, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, cautioned against frequent changes in governance systems, stressing the importance of focusing on leadership quality rather than structural alterations.

The proponents of the bill, led by Abdulssamad Dasuki, emphasized the benefits of a parliamentary system, citing its effectiveness during Nigeria’s First Republic and the potential for reduced bureaucratic hurdles and closer collaboration between branches of government.

The sponsors aim to spark a national dialogue on governance reform, advocating for informed decision-making and public engagement. Under their proposed system, the President would be replaced by a Prime Minister, promoting accountability and a more streamlined executive branch.

Although acknowledging the challenges ahead, including the lengthy legislative process, the sponsors remain optimistic about achieving their goal of transitioning to a parliamentary system by 2031.