NANS Opposes Bill for Single Six-Year Term for President, Governors

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed strong opposition to a proposed bill that aims to establish a single six-year term for the President and state governors in Nigeria. 

The student organization condemned the bill as anti-democratic and an attempt to limit citizens' electoral choices.

The bill, introduced by 35 members of the House of Representatives under the group Reformed-minded Legislators, also proposes the rotation of the presidency among Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Proponents argue that these changes would help reduce the costs of governance.

In response, NANS called on Nigerians, pro-democracy groups, organized labor, and trade unions to unite in opposition to the bill. 

During a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Yekini Adewale, the National Clerk of the Senate of NANS, described the bill as a "smokescreen" intended to distract from the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

“If the bill is passed into law, it would erode accountability, probity, transparency, and responsibility on the part of political leaders,” Adewale warned. 

He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance among the three branches of government and criticized any legislation that undermines the electorate’s power.

Adewale stated, “NANS, as a non-governmental organization and the primary pressure group advocating for the preservation and sustainability of our democracy, not only condemns the proposed bill but also urges Nigerians to resist this move aimed at advancing a selfish agenda by some unscrupulous politicians.”

He further cautioned that without the possibility of a second term, presidents and governors might prioritize personal interests over public service. 

“Removing the option of a second term from our constitution would effectively eliminate the electorate’s ability to vote out underperforming leaders,” Adewale added.

NANS has pledged to mobilize students nationwide to protest against the bill, planning a mass march to demonstrate their rejection. Adewale announced, “As a student body in the country, we will mobilize our members en masse against these bills that seek to eliminate accountability, probity, transparency, and responsibility from our elected officials.”

“To underscore our rejection of these anti-democracy, anti-people, and anti-progress bills, we will designate a day for Nigerian students to embark on a mass march against the National Assembly.”