Senate leader proposes single six-year term for president, governors

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has announced plans to sponsor a bill seeking a single six-year tenure for the president and state governors, arguing that the current two-term system distracts elected officials from governance.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Bamidele said the proposed legislation would be among the first bills he intends to introduce in the next Senate following the 2027 general elections.

Nigeria currently allows presidents and governors to serve a maximum of two four-year terms. However, the Senate leader contended that this arrangement forces elected leaders to begin strategising for re-election barely midway through their first term, diverting attention from delivering on mandates.

He said a single six-year tenure would remove the pressure and distractions associated with seeking a second term, allowing leaders to focus fully on governance from day one.

Bamidele acknowledged that the proposal may generate debate and not attract unanimous support, but insisted that lawmakers must continue pursuing reforms aimed at improving governance. He noted that laws are not static and should evolve to meet changing national realities.

Similar proposals for a single tenure have emerged at different times since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Supporters argue it would curb the distractions of re-election campaigns and encourage long-term policy implementation. Critics, however, contend that the possibility of a second term gives voters a chance to reward performance or reject underperforming leaders.

If formally introduced and passed by the National Assembly, the bill would require far-reaching amendments to the 1999 Constitution and approval by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly before becoming law.