Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele has revealed plans to sponsor a bill seeking to introduce a single six-year tenure for Nigeria’s president and state governors after the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele affirmed that the bill would be among the first pieces of legislation he intends to introduce in the next Senate.
According to him, the proposed tenure system would allow elected leaders to focus on governance rather than spending valuable time and resources on re-election campaigns.
The Senate Leader argued that the current two-term structure often compels presidents and governors to begin planning for a second term shortly after assuming office. He said this affects governance, as political considerations frequently take precedence over policy implementation and service delivery.
Under the proposed single six-year term arrangement, a president or governor would serve only one tenure of six years and would not be eligible to seek re-election. Bamidele believes the system would encourage leaders to prioritize performance from their first day in office.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the lawmaker said a single six-year term for president and governors would eliminate the distractions associated with second-term ambitions and political calculations.
He maintained that officeholders would be more committed to delivering on campaign promises if they knew they had only one opportunity to serve.
The proposal for a single six-year term for president and governors is expected to generate debate among political stakeholders, constitutional lawyers and governance experts. While supporters may argue that the system would improve governance and reduce political distractions, critics could raise concerns about accountability and voter choice.
Bamidele acknowledged that not everyone would support the proposal but insisted that lawmakers have a responsibility to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance.
The Senate Leader also stressed the need for continuous legislative reforms, noting that laws and constitutional provisions should evolve to reflect changing realities and national priorities.