Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives, has vowed to persist in his campaign for a six-year single term for Nigeria’s president and governors, despite the rejection of a related bill during Thursday’s plenary session.

The bill, co-sponsored by Ugochinyere and 33 other lawmakers, also sought constitutional amendments to recognize Nigeria’s division into six geopolitical zones. However, it failed to gain support during its second reading in the green chamber.

Describing the rejection as a “temporary setback,” Ugochinyere emphasized his unwavering commitment to reforming Nigeria’s democratic structure to promote justice, equity, and inclusivity.

“The struggle to reform our constitutional democracy to be all-inclusive and provide an avenue for justice, equity, and fairness has not been lost,” Ugochinyere said in a media briefing on Thursday evening. “This does not put an end to agitation and hope that we will realize this objective.”

Despite the setback, Ugochinyere plans to reassess the situation and reintroduce the proposal through proper legislative channels. He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, reiterating that the push for a six-year single term would reduce election-related costs and minimize the potential for rigging.

“If elections are held in one day, it will reduce cost and rigging,” he stated.

The lawmaker further argued that a six-year single term would allow elected officials to focus more on fulfilling their mandates without the distraction of reelection campaigns. He also believes that power rotation across geopolitical zones would help deescalate political tensions.

With continued advocacy, Ugochinyere remains optimistic that the proposal will eventually gain support when reintroduced to the National Assembly.