Ohaneze Slams Lawmakers Over Rejected Rotational Presidency Bill

The rejection of a bill seeking to constitutionally rotate the presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones has sparked outrage from Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group.

The House of Representatives voted down the constitutional amendment on Tuesday, May 13, with lawmakers arguing that the Federal Character Commission already ensures balanced representation and that enshrining a rotational presidency would ignite ethnic and regional divisions.

Opponents of the bill warned it could set a dangerous precedent and infringe on the rights of Nigerians to vie for any political office, emphasizing the need to preserve meritocracy and national unity over formalized regional arrangements.

Despite this position, Ohaneze Ndigbo expressed deep disappointment. In an interview with Legit.ng, Chief Emeka Sibeudu, Secretary General of the group and former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, sharply criticized the rejection, stating:

“I don’t react to issues concerning a failed state. I make bold to say it — Nigeria is a failed state, a state that loves nothing good. I find it disgusting discussing Nigeria.”

While Sibeudu did not explicitly comment on the bill, his remarks reflect the frustration of the southeast, a region that has long complained of political marginalization.

Also reacting, Ichie Damian Okeke Ogene, former Vice President of Ohaneze, condemned the National Assembly's stance, noting that passing the bill would have been a bold step toward addressing historical injustices

#Jimbamedia