Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for a constitutional review to establish a single-term tenure of five or six years for elected public officials, replacing the current two-term arrangement. He made this suggestion at his Ibadan residence during a meeting with Muslim faithful, traditional leaders, and political figures after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers.
Makinde criticized the current system, stating that it leads to distractions, as officeholders often focus on re-election efforts rather than governance. He noted that of the eight years typically served across two terms, only about five years are truly productive, with the rest consumed by electoral activities and associated disruptions.
According to the governor, a single-term system would enable leaders to focus solely on fulfilling their responsibilities without the added burden of preparing for re-election. He stressed that implementing such a change would require a national dialogue and constitutional amendment.
Makinde’s proposal echoes similar sentiments expressed by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in October 2024, who also recommended a single six-year term for the presidency as a means to improve governance and reduce political tension. However, a bill supporting this idea was rejected by the House of Representatives in November 2024.
The governor’s suggestion has stirred discussions among political observers. While proponents argue that a single-term structure could lead to better governance by removing re-election pressures, opponents believe it might reduce voter influence and weaken accountability.
The proposal has reignited national conversations about electoral reforms and the most effective structure for ensuring good governance in Nigeria.
