A fresh proposal to introduce a single six-year term for Nigeria’s president and state governors has triggered widespread debate, with critics warning it could open the door to tenure elongation for current office holders.
The proposal, championed by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, is expected to be one of the first constitutional amendment bills he will sponsor in the next session of the National Assembly after the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists, Bamidele argued that a single six-year term would allow elected leaders to focus fully on governance instead of spending much of their first term preparing for re-election campaigns.
According to him, the current two-term structure often forces presidents and governors to prioritise political survival over delivering on their mandates.
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However, the proposal has immediately generated suspicion among many Nigerians, who fear it could be used as a backdoor strategy to extend the stay of incumbent political leaders in office.
As reported by NewKwara Media Online, many observers believe the timing of the proposal has raised questions about whether it is genuinely aimed at improving governance or designed to benefit those currently holding power.
Constitutional Amendment Required
Reacting to the proposal, Kano-based lawyer, Kamilu Ahmad-Paki, said the bill would require major constitutional amendments before it could become law.
He explained that Sections 137 and 180 of the 1999 Constitution currently provide for a four-year tenure, renewable once, for both presidents and governors.
According to him, any attempt to introduce a single six-year term would require amendments to those sections, as well as other provisions limiting office holders to two terms.
Ahmad-Paki further noted that constitutional amendments in Nigeria face a difficult process, requiring support from two-thirds of members of the National Assembly and approval from at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
“If that majority is not achieved, the bill will not see the light of day,” he stated.
Critics Suspect Hidden Political Motives
Some legal experts and political commentators have openly questioned the motive behind the proposal.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Abeni Mohammed, accused some lawmakers of prioritising political survival over addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
He argued that insecurity, kidnappings and economic hardship should receive greater attention from lawmakers rather than debates over tenure arrangements.
Similarly, constitutional lawyer, Salam Jawondo, said the amendment would face significant hurdles and doubted it would gain the necessary support across the country.
Jawondo warned against diverting attention from urgent national issues such as insecurity and worsening living conditions.
Political scientist, Kamar Hamza, also suggested the proposal may have hidden political objectives.
“There may be some hidden agenda,” he said, adding that some politicians could be using the bill to advance broader political plans.
Supporters See Governance Benefits
Despite the criticism, some legal experts believe the proposal deserves serious consideration.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sunusi Musa, argued that a single six-year term could significantly reduce election costs and allow leaders to take difficult but necessary decisions without worrying about re-election.
According to him, politicians often avoid unpopular but important policies because they fear electoral backlash during campaigns for a second term.
Musa also pointed out that similar proposals had surfaced in the past, including one pushed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, he cautioned that any constitutional amendment introducing a six-year term must clearly state whether current office holders would be eligible to benefit from the new arrangement.
Failure to address that issue, he warned, could create room for incumbents to seek an additional six-year mandate.
‘Another Route to Extend Tinubu’s Stay’
Not everyone is convinced by the arguments in favour of the proposal.
Constitutional lawyer, Morakinyo Ogele, described the initiative as a possible strategy to extend the tenure of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors.
“It is another avenue for tenure elongation,” he argued.
Ogele also expressed doubts that the proposal would survive the constitutional amendment process, particularly given the political sensitivities surrounding tenure issues in Nigeria.
‘It Won’t Automatically Solve Nigeria’s Problems’
Public affairs commentator, David Adenuga, urged Nigerians to focus on whether the proposal would genuinely improve governance rather than viewing it purely through a political lens.
He said the real question should be whether a single six-year term would strengthen accountability, democratic institutions and service delivery better than the current two-term system.
According to Adenuga, leadership quality and strong democratic institutions remain more important than the length of tenure.
Third Time the Proposal Is Returning
This is not the first time Nigeria has considered changing its tenure structure.
As reported by NewKwara Media Online, the debate has surfaced twice before during the Fourth Republic.
The first major attempt came during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when allies pushed for a constitutional amendment that would have effectively allowed office holders to remain in power longer. The proposal was eventually defeated in the Senate.
A few years later, former President Jonathan proposed a single six-year, non-renewable term for presidents and governors. That proposal also failed to secure legislative approval.
With Bamidele now reviving the conversation ahead of the next political cycle, the proposal is once again expected to ignite a fierce national debate over governance, accountability and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
For now, the biggest question remains: Is the six-year single tenure proposal truly about improving governance, or could it become another controversial battle over political power and tenure extension in Nigeria?
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