Bamidele proposes six-year single term for presidents, governors

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has proposed a constitutional amendment seeking to replace Nigeria’s current two-term tenure system for presidents and state governors with a single, non-renewable six-year term.

The proposal, which is expected to be debated at the National Assembly, is aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s electoral cycle and improving governance efficiency by removing the pressures associated with re-election campaigns.

Bamidele argued that the current system often diverts attention from governance as incumbents begin early political positioning for a second term, a trend he said weakens policy focus and long-term planning.

Under the proposed arrangement, elected leaders would serve only one six-year term, a structure proponents say could allow for more decisive governance and uninterrupted policy implementation.

Political analysts say the proposal, if adopted, could reshape Nigeria’s democratic and governance framework. Potential benefits include improved policy continuity, reduced political tension linked to re-election cycles, and a possible reduction in the cost of repeated national and state elections.

Supporters also argue that a single-term system could encourage leaders to focus on performance and legacy delivery from the start of their tenure, rather than electoral survival.

However, critics caution that removing re-election opportunities could weaken voter accountability, as citizens would no longer have the option to reward or reject leaders based on performance through the ballot box. Others warn that a longer single term could concentrate political power without mid-term electoral checks.

The proposal would require a constitutional amendment, needing approval by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly and ratification by at least 24 state legislatures before it can become law.

The initiative is expected to generate significant debate among lawmakers, political stakeholders, and civil society groups as discussions on electoral and governance reforms continue in the country.