Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed plans to champion a constitutional amendment that would introduce a single six-year term for Nigeria’s presidents and state governors, saying the reform would enable elected leaders to focus more on governance rather than re-election campaigns.
Bamidele made the disclosure while speaking with journalists on Tuesday, describing the proposal as one of the major legislative initiatives he intends to pursue in the Senate after the 2027 general elections.
Under Nigeria’s current constitutional arrangement, presidents and governors are eligible to serve a maximum of two four-year terms. However, the Senate Leader argued that many officeholders begin concentrating on securing a second term long before completing their first mandate, often at the expense of effective governance.
According to him, adopting a single six-year tenure would eliminate the distractions associated with re-election campaigns and allow leaders to dedicate their entire time in office to delivering on their promises to citizens.
“Public officials should be able to focus on the responsibilities entrusted to them without the constant pressure of political survival,” Bamidele said.
He further noted that the proposed system would encourage leaders to pursue long-term development plans from the onset of their administration, while providing a clearer timeframe for implementing policies and reforms.
The Senate Leader acknowledged that the proposal is likely to spark widespread debate among political stakeholders and the public. Nonetheless, he maintained that constitutional reforms are necessary to strengthen governance and improve Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Constitutional provisions are not meant to remain unchanged forever. Parliament exists to assess national realities and make adjustments where necessary to improve the system,” he stated.
The proposal is expected to reignite discussions that have surfaced repeatedly since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Supporters of a single-term system argue that it would reduce the influence of politics on governance and allow elected officials to focus squarely on policy implementation and national development.
The idea has previously received support from several political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has advocated a six-year single tenure for presidents and governors as part of broader constitutional reforms. Atiku also proposed a rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
However, critics of the proposal contend that the current two-term arrangement provides voters with the opportunity to reward effective leadership with a second mandate or remove underperforming leaders through the ballot box.
Should the proposed amendment gain the approval of the National Assembly, it would require significant alterations to the 1999 Constitution. The amendment would also need the endorsement of at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s State Houses of Assembly before it can become law.
As discussions around constitutional reform continue, Bamidele’s proposal is expected to generate fresh debate on the future of governance and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
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