The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed plans to sponsor a bill seeking a single six-year term for presidents and governors in Nigeria.
Bamidele said the proposed legislation would be introduced in the next Senate after the 2027 general elections, arguing that a single tenure would allow elected leaders to focus on governance without the pressure of seeking re-election.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the lawmaker said the current two-term arrangement often diverts the attention of political office holders from governance to political calculations aimed at securing a second mandate.
According to him, a six-year single term would eliminate the distractions associated with re-election campaigns and encourage leaders to devote their full attention to delivering on their mandates.
He noted that public office holders spend a significant part of their first term preparing for another election instead of concentrating on development programmes and policies.
Bamidele said a one-term system would provide leaders with a clear timeframe to implement their agenda and leave a lasting impact without being distracted by political considerations.
The Senate leader acknowledged that the proposal may generate differing opinions among Nigerians and lawmakers but maintained that legislative reforms remain an important part of strengthening democratic governance.
He stressed that laws are designed to evolve in response to changing realities and societal needs.
If passed by the National Assembly, the proposal would require an amendment of relevant provisions of the Constitution before it can take effect.
The development has added to ongoing conversations on electoral and constitutional reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
