A proposal that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape is set to be tabled before the National Assembly, with Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, revealing plans to sponsor a bill seeking a single six-year tenure for presidents and governors.
Bamidele disclosed on Tuesday that the legislation would be among the first bills he intends to introduce when the next Senate is inaugurated after the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists in his office, the lawmaker argued that the current two-term structure often distracts elected leaders from governance, as many begin plotting their re-election shortly after assuming office.
“One of the first set of bills that I look forward to moving, by God’s grace, when we come back for the 11th Senate, God-willing, is for a bill that will only make it possible for anyone who wants to be president of this country, or governor in any part of this country, to spend only one term of six years,” he said.
According to him, a single six-year term would allow officeholders to focus entirely on delivering results without the pressure of seeking another mandate.
“So that you don’t even have to worry about wasting almost one and a half years of your first term thinking and struggling and looking forward to how you’ll be re-elected,” Bamidele stated.
“If you know you are there for six years, only one tenure, you put in your best from day one. You know this is the only chance that you have.”
The Senate Leader acknowledged that the proposal may attract differing opinions but insisted that lawmakers must continue to champion reforms they believe will improve governance and strengthen democratic institutions.
“That’s my opinion. It doesn’t mean everybody will agree with me. But it also does not mean that I am prevented from doing that because that has not been the law,” he said.
Bamidele further noted that laws are not static and should evolve to reflect changing realities and societal needs.
“The essence of law, the essence of parliament, is that laws are like human beings; they grow,” he added.
If eventually introduced and passed by the National Assembly, the proposal would require amendments to the Nigerian Constitution before it can become law.
The move is expected to spark fresh debate over electoral reforms and the future structure of executive leadership in Nigeria.
