Nigeria’s political landscape could be set for a major shake-up as the Senate and House of Representatives consider a constitutional amendment to replace the current two-term, four-year tenure for presidents and governors with a single, non-renewable six-year term.
Supporters of the proposal say the reform could reduce the intense political battles that often dominate governance. They argue that elected officials spend too much time preparing for re-election instead of focusing on delivering results.
Backers also believe a single six-year term would cut the enormous cost of elections and provide greater political stability by allowing leaders to concentrate fully on governance from start to finish.
However, the proposal is already generating debate. Critics warn that eliminating the possibility of re-election could weaken accountability, as leaders would no longer need to seek voters’ approval for a second term.
According to information currently before lawmakers, the amendment is still undergoing legislative consideration and faces a long road before becoming law. It must secure the support of two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly and then be ratified by at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
The proposal has emerged from ongoing constitutional reform discussions involving lawmakers and civil society groups seeking changes to Nigeria’s governance structure.
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