The Nigerian Senate has commenced debate on the review of the 1999 constitution. The debate followed the presentation of the report of the senate committee on the review of the 1999 constitution presented by deputy senate president, Ike Ekwerenmadu.

Highlights of the amendment includes the fact‎ that reduction of age for contesting in future ‎presidential elections in the country is to be thrown open to interested Nigerians from the age of 35 and above. 

According to the report, the new amendment kicks against second term government. Any person who was sworn in as President or Governor to complete the term of the elected President or Governor will be barred from being elected to the same office for more than a single term.

The new amendment suggest independent candidacy as politicians can vie for elective positions without belonging to political parties or under the platform of a political party but as independent candidates.

Also, local governments are to get financial autonomy as the new amendment seeks to abolish‎ Joint state and local government account.

‎In his Contribution, Senator Dino Melaye urged INEC to conduct local government elections. He also expressed happiness that former governors in the Senate are in support of Local Government autonomy.

In a similar vein, the Senate president applauded the move for the amendment of the constitution.