The Nigerian Senate is expected to consider a proposal seeking to replace the current two-term, four-year tenure system with a single six-year term for presidents and state governors. The proposal was disclosed by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who said the bill could form part of key constitutional amendment discussions in the incoming 11th Senate.
According to Bamidele, the objective of the proposal is to improve governance by allowing elected leaders to concentrate fully on delivering their mandates without the pressure of seeking re-election midway through their first term. He argued that the current system often diverts attention and resources toward political campaigns rather than governance.
Supporters of the proposal believe a single six-year tenure would:
• Reduce the cost of conducting elections.
• Minimize political distractions associated with second-term campaigns.
• Encourage leaders to focus on long-term development projects.
• Lower political tensions generated by re-election contests.
• Promote continuity in governance.
The idea is not entirely new. Similar constitutional amendment proposals have been introduced in the past, including bills sponsored by lawmakers in both the House of Representatives and the National Assembly. However, previous attempts failed to secure enough support to become law. In 2024, the House of Representatives rejected a similar six-year single-term bill during plenary proceedings.
For the proposal to take effect, it would require significant amendments to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Such amendments must be approved by at least two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly and endorsed by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before receiving presidential assent.
The debate is expected to generate widespread discussion among political stakeholders, constitutional experts, and the public, as it touches on the structure of Nigeria’s democratic system and the tenure of elected officials.
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