Makinde seeks Six-Year single term for elected officials

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for a constitutional amendment to replace Nigeria’s current double-term, four-year tenure for elected public office holders with a single term of five or six years.

The governor made this proposal on Friday in Ibadan, shortly after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Agodi Eid Ground.

Addressing a delegation of Muslim clerics, political leaders, and traditional rulers at his Ikolaba residence, Makinde argued that a single term would eliminate distractions caused by re-election campaigns and give leaders enough time to deliver on their mandates without political pressure.

“I have spent six years already, and due to no fault of anybody, we lost the year 2020 because of COVID-19. Then, we spent a year campaigning for re-election and now, distractions have started again,” the governor noted.

“Effectively, serious governance only happens within five of the eight years. A single tenure of five or six years is enough for any serious leader to work.”

While describing it as a constitutional matter, Makinde urged Nigerians to begin honest conversations about the proposal.

“We shouldn’t shy away from facts based on available data,” he added, noting that such reform would improve governance and reduce political tension.

The governor’s remarks rekindled an ongoing national conversation about tenure reforms. Prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo have previously advocated a six-year single term presidency and governorship, citing similar concerns about governance interruptions and election-related anxieties.

Atiku, in October 2024, formally wrote to the Senate Constitution Review Committee, proposing a six-year, rotational presidency among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. His bill, alongside similar proposals, was however rejected by the House of Representatives in November 2024 during a constitutional amendment session.

Meanwhile, Makinde used the occasion to congratulate the Muslim faithful on the Eid-el-Kabir festival, commending their prayers and support for his government. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Oyo residents and urged continued prayers for peace and development.

The Eid visit was led by Oyo Deputy Governor, Abdulraheem Lawal, and included respected figures such as former governor Senator Rashidi Ladoja, former deputy governors Taofeek Arapaja, Hazeem Gbolarumi, and Hamid Gbadamosi. Also in attendance were federal lawmakers and leaders of the Muslim community in the state.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Ladoja called for unity and support for Governor Makinde’s administration. Deputy Governor Lawal also encouraged Muslims to embrace the values of sacrifice, obedience, and humility as taught in Islam.