In a presidential system of government, the president can constitutionally be removed from the office through

Analyze the question: It asks how a president in a presidential system can be removed constitutionally, meaning through a lawful process set out in the constitution.

Explain the concept: In a presidential system, the executive (the president) is elected separately from the legislature and is not directly answerable to it through confidence votes. So the president serves a fixed term, but can be removed if found guilty of serious misconduct. The constitutional process for this is impeachment.

In Nigeria, Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution provides for it. The National Assembly can remove a president for "gross misconduct". The process goes like this:

1. A notice of allegation is signed by at least one-third of the members of either House.
2. The president replies to the allegation.
3. Each House votes on it, and a two-thirds majority is needed to proceed.
4. A panel investigates, and the final report is again voted on by a two-thirds majority.

Evaluate the options:

• A. Persuasion: This is not a constitutional removal mechanism. It is simply a way of influencing someone.
• B. Impeachment: This is the lawful, constitutional process for removing a president. ✔
• C. Coup d'état: This is a forceful, unconstitutional seizure of power by the military.
• D. Vote of no confidence: This is used in a parliamentary system, where the prime minister and cabinet must keep the support of the legislature. It is not used in a presidential system.

Answer: The correct option is **B.

Exam tip: Remember these pairings:

• Presidential system → impeachment
• Parliamentary system → vote of no confidence
• Coup d'état → always unconstitutional

Whenever you see the word "constitutionally" in a question, eliminate any option involving force.