Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has announced plans to sponsor a bill aiming to establish a single six-year term for both presidents and governors, starting after the 2027 general elections. The lawmaker explained that the initiative seeks to allow officeholders to devote their entire tenure to governance, free from the distractions of re-election campaigns.
Avoiding Re-election Distractions
Currently, the two-term system often compels leaders to spend a large portion of their first term planning for a second term rather than delivering on their mandates. Bamidele emphasized that a single six-year tenure would encourage officials to perform optimally from day one, knowing they have only one opportunity to serve.
“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. If you know you are there for six years, only one tenure, you put in your best from day one,” Bamidele said.
Anticipating Debate and Support
The Senate Leader acknowledged that the proposal may spark debate and may not enjoy universal support, but he insisted that lawmakers have a duty to introduce reforms they believe will strengthen governance. He highlighted that laws are not static and must evolve to reflect changing realities and societal needs.
“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,” Bamidele noted.
He further explained that legislative reforms are an essential function of parliament, allowing governance frameworks to adapt over time.
Constitutional Amendments Required
Bamidele noted that the proposed single tenure system would necessitate constitutional amendments to take effect. If formally introduced and approved by the National Assembly, the change would reshape Nigeria’s electoral and governance timelines, potentially allowing for more focused and accountable leadership.
