A prominent lawyer and public affairs analyst, Maxwell Opara, has criticized the National Assembly for debating rotational presidency instead of focusing on urgent electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The bill proposing rotational presidency among Nigeria's six geographical zones was rejected in the House of Representatives on Tuesday during a legislative debate. The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, was dismissed on grounds that the current constitutional principle of federal character already addresses the concerns it aimed to tackle.

Speaking on Arise News, Opara urged lawmakers to redirect their energy toward amending electoral laws, noting that the 2023 election judgments from the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court had highlighted critical issues that require legislative attention.

"This particular energy they are wasting in trying to bring up the bill should be channelled to our electoral laws because the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in 2023 general election have raised some issues that will give the National Assembly the clue on how to amend our electoral law so that we get it right in 2027," Opara stated.

While acknowledging Kalu's intention to ensure equitable distribution of presidential power among Nigeria's zones, Opara questioned whether such a measure would solve the country's fundamental problems.

He referenced the 2023 elections as evidence that Nigerians prioritize competence over regional considerations, pointing to Peter Obi's nationwide support. "Nigeria knows who is competent, whether you are from the north or any part of the country. If you recall the 2023 election, what happened? Peter Obi received the necessary support from the north, from everywhere," he explained.

Opara concluded by describing the rotational presidency bill as "a misapplication of priority," urging lawmakers to focus instead on electoral reforms that would ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

The National Assembly has faced increasing pressure from various stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to expedite the review of the Electoral Act to address challenges observed during previous elections.