Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele plans to introduce a controversial bill in the next National Assembly. The proposal seeks a single six-year term for presidents and governors, starting after 2027 elections.
Bamidele told journalists the legislation would be among his first priorities when lawmakers reconvene. He believes one longer term would let leaders focus on governance instead of campaign politics.
Under the current system, he noted, officeholders spend much of their first term preparing for re-election battles. A single six-year tenure would eliminate those distractions entirely, according to the Senate leader.
But Nigerians have reacted with deep suspicion about the real motive behind the bill. Many fear it's designed to benefit current leaders who've already served two terms and can't legally seek another.
Critics worry the amendment could be backdated to help sitting presidents and governors extend their stays in power. Some respondents expressed skepticism that the proposal has purely governance-focused intentions.
Others, however, see merit in the idea that single longer terms reduce electoral distractions. They argue it could improve administrative focus and policy implementation across the country.
Legal experts warn the proposal faces serious constitutional hurdles before becoming reality. Barrister Kamilu Ahmad-Paki, a Kano-based lawyer, broke down the requirements in detail.
Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution currently establishes four-year presidential terms, renewable once. Section 180 sets identical rules for state governors, he explained to reporters.
"Both provisions must be amended for this bill to work," Ahmad-Paki stated. He emphasized that Section 182 specifically bars governors from serving beyond two terms.
Presidents face the same two-term restriction under Section 137(1)(b), the lawyer noted. Any shift to a single six-year model would directly conflict with these existing bars.
Local government council tenures, outlined in Section 7, might also need revision. Aligning them with proposed presidential and gubernatorial changes could prove complicated, Ahmad-Paki suggested.
The constitutional amendment process itself presents another major obstacle. Section 9 demands two-thirds support from National Assembly members for any change.
At least 24 state Houses of Assembly must also ratify the amendment. That's an exceptionally high bar to clear, especially for such a contentious proposal.
Ahmad-Paki confirmed Bamidele's intention to champion the bill during the 11th Assembly. Whether it survives the grueling amendment process remains highly uncertain, he suggested.
Political observers expect fierce debate when the proposal reaches the legislature. The question of whether it truly serves Nigeria's interests will dominate discussions.
