Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has revealed plans to introduce legislation that would limit Nigerian presidents and governors to a single six-year term in office.
According to him, the proposal will be among the first bills he intends to sponsor when the 11th Senate is inaugurated after the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele argued that the current two-term arrangement often distracts elected leaders from governance, as many begin strategising for re-election long before completing their first term.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the senator said a single tenure would allow leaders to focus entirely on delivering results without the pressure of another campaign.
“One of the first bills I hope to present in the next Senate is a proposal that will allow anyone elected president or governor to serve only one term of six years,” he said.
He noted that under the existing system, officeholders can spend a significant part of their first term preparing for a second bid.
“If you know you only have one opportunity and six years to serve, you will concentrate on making the most of that period from the very beginning,” he added.
Bamidele acknowledged that the idea may generate debate and may not enjoy universal support, but insisted that lawmakers have a responsibility to propose reforms they believe can improve governance.
“Not everyone will agree with me, and that’s expected. But that should not stop us from pursuing ideas that can strengthen our democracy,” he said.
The Senate Leader also stressed that laws must evolve to meet changing realities.
“The purpose of parliament is to continually review and improve our laws. Just like society changes, laws must also grow and adapt,” he stated.
If eventually passed by the National Assembly, the proposal would require amendments to the Nigerian Constitution before it can become law.
The suggestion is expected to spark fresh debate over political reforms, with supporters likely to argue that it could reduce election-related distractions, while critics may question whether a single term would provide enough accountability to voters.
