Reps Rejects Bill for Six-Year Single Term for President and Governors

The Nigerian House of Representatives has voted against a bill proposing a six-year single term for the presidency and state governors. The bill, which aimed to amend the 1999 Constitution, was sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere and co-sponsored by 33 other lawmakers.

During a session held on November 21, 2024, the proposal faced stiff opposition. Lawmakers debated the merits and potential drawbacks of a single-term system, which proponents argued would reduce the influence of incumbency and allow for fresh leadership. Ugochinyere emphasized the need for reform, stating, “This bill is about ensuring that our leaders are not entrenched in power for too long. It’s about accountability and giving Nigerians a chance to choose new leaders without the burden of re-election campaigns.”

Despite these arguments, the majority of lawmakers opted to maintain the current four-year renewable term structure. Following the vote, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas remarked, “We must respect the will of the people as reflected in our current system. Changing to a single term is a significant shift that requires broader consensus.”

In addition to the single-term proposal, the bill also sought to rotate executive positions among Nigeria's six geopolitical zones and synchronize election dates across all levels of government. However, these provisions were ultimately overshadowed by concerns regarding political stability and continuity.

The rejection of this bill highlights ongoing debates within Nigeria about electoral reform and governance as the nation continues to navigate its complex political landscape.