A bill proposing a six-year single term for the offices of President and State Governors has failed to pass second reading in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the bill sought to amend the Constitution to introduce single-term leadership, enforce election day unification, and rotate leadership roles among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
When presented for debate, the bill faced overwhelming opposition, with the majority of lawmakers voting against it. This marks yet another rejection of similar proposals, including a 2019 bill sponsored by Hon. John Dyegh, which also failed to advance past the second reading.
Proponents of the bill argued that a six-year single term would reduce the cost and violence associated with re-election campaigns and ensure equitable power rotation across regions. Hon. Dyegh had previously suggested extending this tenure to lawmakers to allow for deeper legislative experience.
Despite these arguments, the House has consistently resisted the move. Critics have expressed concerns over the practicality and implications of such constitutional amendments.
The conversation about single terms has been revisited by notable figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Both have advocated for the concept, citing its potential to enhance governance by eliminating the distractions of re-election politics.
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While the idea continues to resurface in political discourse, the repeated rejection by lawmakers underscores the challenges of securing constitutional amendments in Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
