Just in: 60 House of Reps members push for switch from presidential to parliamentary system

Some lawmakers in the lower chamber of the National Assembly have proposed a move to amend the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and transition the country from a presidential system to a parliamentary system, reflecting a significant shift in governance structure.

Vanguard reports that the move was sponsored by sixty members of the House of Representatives and prominently supported by Wale Raji from Lagos State, who is also a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The parliamentary system, if adopted, would entail fundamental changes in the way Nigeria is governed.

Unlike the presidential system, where the executive branch is separate from the legislative branch, in a parliamentary system, the executive branch is drawn from the legislature.

This could potentially lead to more robust policy debates and closer alignment between the legislative and executive branches of government.

Parliamentary systems are often perceived as more cost-effective due to their streamlined decision-making processes and the absence of a separate head of state.

Additionally, the emphasis on collective responsibility in a parliamentary system could lead to greater accountability among elected representatives.

However, transitioning to a parliamentary system would also require careful consideration of the implications and potential challenges.

It would involve significant constitutional amendments and adjustments to the political landscape. Moreover, while parliamentary systems offer certain advantages, they also have their own set of complexities and limitations.