Aregbesola Advocates Return To Parliamentary System, Argues No Single Leader Can Govern Nigeria Alone

FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA – Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has called for Nigeria to abandon its executive system of governance in favor of a parliamentary model.

Speaking at the National Dialogue on Home-Grown Parliamentary System in Abuja on November 11, 2024, George argued that the executive system concentrates too much power in one individual, which he believes is unsuitable for governing a populous nation like Nigeria.

Aregbesola questioned the efficacy of entrusting the governance of over 120 million people to one individual, calling it impractical and a “joke.”

He emphasized that a parliamentary system, with its collaborative decision-making and checks and balances, would better serve Nigeria’s interests by addressing the needs of its large and diverse population.

Aregbesola’s call aligns with recent efforts by a group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives to amend the 1999 Constitution and transition from the presidential to a parliamentary system.

The legislators, comprising about 60 members, argue that the switch is necessary to reduce governance costs amid declining national revenue.

Aregbesola stressed that a parliamentary model’s collective governance approach would be more beneficial for Nigeria.

He argued that if the country truly aims to advance the welfare of its people, a system that distributes power more evenly would be essential.