On Thursday, November 21, the Nigerian House of Representatives turned down a bill that proposed a single six-year term for the president and state governors.
Nigeria’s constitution currently provides a two-term tenure of four years each if re-elected.
Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere (PDP, Ideato Federal Constituency) presented the bill, which 33 other lawmakers supported. The bill also suggested that all elections be held on the same day and included other essential changes.
The bill was titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).” It sought to create a single six-year term for the president and governors, recognize Nigeria’s six informal geopolitical zones, rotate key political offices among these zones, and have all elections occur on the same day.
Even though the bill was discussed in its second reading, it faced strong opposition. When Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen asked for a voice vote, the members responded with a loud “Nay.” Consequently, the Speaker declared that the bill was rejected and would not proceed.
Some critics worried that a single six-year term could hurt accountability, while others were concerned about the challenges of holding all elections on one day.
However, the bill’s rejection shows how difficult it is to reach a consensus on changes to the Nigerian Constitution – the legal framework that binds the country together.
Rep. Ugochinyere expressed disappointment over the outcome, stating, “We believe that these changes are necessary for the progress of our nation.” He insisted he “will keep pushing.”
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