A proposal by Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele to introduce a single six-year term for presidents and governors has sparked debate across Nigeria, with critics warning that it could open the door to tenure elongation for incumbent officeholders.
Bamidele said he plans to sponsor a constitutional amendment bill after the 2027 general elections that would replace the current two-term, four-year tenure system with a single six-year term for elected presidents and governors.
Speaking with journalists in his office, the Senate leader argued that the existing arrangement often forces leaders to focus on re-election campaigns rather than governance.
"The current system compels office holders to devote a significant portion of their first term to political calculations and preparations for re-election," Bamidele said, adding that a single tenure would remove distractions associated with seeking a second term.
The proposal has generated mixed reactions, with many Nigerians expressing concern that it could be used to extend the stay of current political officeholders beyond existing constitutional limits.
Legal experts note that the proposal would require substantial amendments to the 1999 Constitution before it could become law.
Kano-based lawyer Barrister Kamilu Ahmad-Paki said sections of the constitution that establish four-year terms and limit presidents and governors to two terms would have to be altered.
"If this bill is to see the light of day, these sections must be altered," Ahmad-Paki said. He also pointed out that constitutional amendments require approval by two-thirds of the National Assembly and endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
Some senior lawyers questioned the motives behind the proposal. Abeni Mohammed (SAN) described it as an exercise in political self-preservation rather than national interest.
"They are looking for self-survival before they are booted out naturally or by a violent revolt," he said.
Mohammed argued that lawmakers should focus on pressing national issues, particularly insecurity, instead of debating tenure reforms.
Similarly, Salam Jawondo (SAN) said the amendment would face significant hurdles and warned against diverting attention from urgent governance challenges.
"I doubt such an amendment will scale through," he said. "Every politician should concentrate more effort on solving the prevailing problems, especially insecurity."
Political scientist Dr Kamar Hamza also urged caution, saying the proposal could have political motives beyond its stated objectives.
"Who knows, maybe he is being used as a conduit by politicians to actualise their plans. There may be some hidden agenda," Hamza said.
Supporters of the proposal, however, argue that a single six-year term could improve governance and reduce election costs.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sunusi Musa said the idea was not new and should be examined on its merits.
"It will reduce the cost of elections," Musa said. "Leadership requires taking painful but necessary decisions. Most politicians are prevented from making such decisions because they are considering elections."
Musa added that any constitutional amendment would need clear provisions preventing former presidents and governors who have already served two terms from benefiting from the new arrangement.
Constitutional lawyer Morakinyo Ogele remained skeptical, describing the proposal as a possible attempt to extend the tenure of current officeholders.
"It is another avenue for tenure elongation for the president and the governors. It's just a strategy for tenure elongation," he said.
Public affairs commentator David Adenuga called for a broader discussion focused on governance outcomes rather than politics.
"The key question is whether a single six-year term will improve accountability, governance and national stability better than the current system of two four-year terms," Adenuga said.
The proposal is not the first of its kind in Nigeria's democratic history. Daily Trust reports that similar efforts were made during the administrations of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Obasanjo's allies pushed for a constitutional amendment that would have extended term limits, while Jonathan proposed a single, non-renewable six-year term for presidents and governors in 2011. Both initiatives failed to secure legislative approval.
As discussions continue, analysts say the success of the latest proposal will depend not only on legislative support but also on whether Nigerians are convinced it serves the national interest rather than political ambitions.
