Senate to Consider Single Six-Year Term for President, Governors After 2027

The Senate may begin deliberations on a proposal to replace Nigeria’s current two-term tenure arrangement for presidents and governors with a single six-year term after the 2027 general elections, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has disclosed.

Bamidele said he would sponsor a constitutional amendment bill in the 11th National Assembly aimed at restructuring the nation’s political tenure system to promote effective governance and reduce the distractions associated with re-election campaigns.

The Senate Leader made the disclosure during an interview in Abuja, where he addressed a range of national issues, including constitutional reforms, security, legislative oversight and the performance of the 10th Senate.

According to him, the proposed amendment would form part of a broader package of political reforms designed to strengthen democratic institutions and improve governance outcomes.

Under Nigeria’s current constitutional arrangement, presidents and governors are eligible to serve a maximum of two four-year terms. However, Bamidele argued that a single six-year tenure could provide leaders with adequate time to implement policies without the pressure of seeking a second mandate.

The lawmaker did not provide details on the exact framework of the proposed amendment but indicated that the initiative would be pursued after the 2027 elections.

Beyond constitutional reforms, Bamidele challenged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to make public the salaries, allowances and benefits of all political office holders across the country.

He said persistent public criticism of lawmakers’ earnings stems largely from a lack of transparency regarding remuneration approved by the commission.

According to him, legislators neither determine nor approve their salaries and allowances, stressing that the responsibility rests solely with the RMAFC.

“All allowances received by parliamentarians at both the federal and state levels should be published fully and publicly. Legislators do not determine their remuneration. The Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission is responsible for that,” he said.

Bamidele maintained that publishing the remuneration packages of members of the National Assembly, state legislators, ministers and other political office holders would help dispel misconceptions about lawmakers’ earnings.

He also clarified that vehicles provided to federal lawmakers are government assets meant for official duties and constituency engagements rather than personal property.

On insecurity, the Senate Leader defended the upper chamber’s decision to reject a motion seeking a special investigation into funds released to the military for the prosecution of the war against insurgency and terrorism.

He argued that subjecting military expenditure to a public probe while troops remain engaged in active operations could undermine ongoing security efforts.

According to him, the National Assembly already has oversight mechanisms through its committees on Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force, which regularly scrutinise military spending and procurement activities.

Bamidele noted that lawmakers routinely inspect military equipment acquisitions both within and outside the country as part of their oversight responsibilities.

He said much of the military’s operational activities and procurement processes cannot be publicly disclosed because of national security considerations.

Despite concerns over renewed attacks in some parts of the country, the Senate Leader insisted that security agencies were making progress in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

He attributed recent attacks by armed groups to the intensified pressure being mounted on them by Nigerian security forces and international counter-terrorism partnerships.

“We must not allow political interests or propaganda to weaken public support for our military. Significant progress is being made, even if much of it cannot be discussed openly,” he said.

Bamidele also reaffirmed his support for the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, describing kidnapping as a growing threat that requires tougher legal sanctions.

He disclosed that an anti-terrorism bill he sponsored is approaching final legislative approval and expressed confidence that stronger laws would improve the country’s response to violent crimes.

Responding to claims that the 10th Senate has acted as a rubber stamp for the executive arm of government, the Senate Leader dismissed the allegation, insisting that the legislature has maintained its independence while adopting a model of constructive engagement with the Presidency.

He explained that many disagreements between lawmakers and the executive are often resolved through consultations before reaching the floor of the Senate.

Using the administration’s tax reform programme as an example, Bamidele said extensive engagements were held with government officials and stakeholders before the relevant bills were eventually passed.

He argued that cooperation between the executive and legislature should not be interpreted as a lack of independence, noting that effective governance often requires negotiation and consensus-building.

Reflecting on the work of the 10th Senate, Bamidele described the controversy surrounding the suspension of a female senator as one of the Assembly’s lowest moments, saying it created a public perception of division and overshadowed important legislative activities.

Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the Senate’s interventions in economic reforms, taxation, agriculture, education and institutional development would yield long-term benefits for Nigerians.

According to him, laws enacted by the National Assembly are expected to support economic stability, improve educational opportunities, strengthen non-oil revenue generation and attract greater investment into the country.