”A single tenure of five or six years is actually enough to focus and do the work that we are trying to do in eight years” – Gov. Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for a constitutional amendment to introduce a single five- or six-year term for elected officials in Nigeria. He argued that the current two-term system creates distractions that hinder effective governance, especially due to re-election campaigns and political speculation.
Speaking at his Ibadan residence during an Eid-el-Kabir visit from Muslim leaders and political figures, Makinde reflected on his six years in office. He noted that significant time was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic and electioneering, which reduced the period truly focused on governance.
Makinde emphasized that a single term would allow leaders to concentrate fully on delivering their mandates without political distractions. He urged the National Assembly and Nigerians to seriously consider the proposal, which aligns with earlier suggestions by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Despite similar proposals, the House of Representatives rejected a bill for a single six-year presidential term in November 2024. Under the current constitution, presidents and governors are allowed two four-year terms.
