Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has been a vocal advocate for political reforms, and the idea of a single 6-year term for elected officials is one that has sparked considerable debate. His proposal is likely aiming to reduce the constant campaigning and political instability that often comes with re-election bids. This could also allow elected officials to focus more on governance rather than constantly seeking re-election.
In a country like Nigeria, where political tenure can be marked by turnover and shifts in priorities due to re-election cycles, a 6-year term might allow for more long-term planning and development. However, some might argue it could diminish accountability to the people since officials wouldn’t have to face the electorate as often.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for a constitutional amendment to introduce a single term of five or six years for elected public officials in Nigeria, arguing that the current two-term system is riddled with distractions that hinder effective governance.
Makinde made the remarks at his residence in Ibadan while receiving a delegation of Muslim faithful, led by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who visited him after Eid-el-Kabir prayers. The delegation included traditional and political leaders.
Reflecting on his own tenure, Makinde, who has been in office for six years, said his experience suggests that elected leaders are typically focused on governance for only five of the eight years due to the pressures of re-election campaigns and political speculation.
“I have spent six years already, and due to no fault of anybody, we lost the year 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Makinde said. “We lost almost one year campaigning all over the place for the second tenure. Now, people have started distracting us on what I want to do next and all of that.”
The governor noted that if such political distractions were eliminated, a single term of five or six years would allow leaders to focus fully on delivering their mandates.
“That is why I feel if you remove all these distractions, 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,” he added. “It has nothing to do with me. If they say I should end it, so be it.”
Makinde emphasised that his proposal is based on data and practical experience, urging Nigerians to begin a serious national conversation about the possibility of amending the constitution.
“This is a constitutional issue. We should start looking at it. I know that it has been brought to the attention of the National Assembly, but, quite frankly, it is a model that should work for this country,” he said.
Under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), presidents and governors are currently allowed to serve a maximum of two four-year terms.
Makinde’s comments align with similar calls made in October 2024 by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who proposed a six-year single term for the presidency and suggested that the role should rotate among Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
However, in November 2024, the House of Representatives voted against a bill seeking to introduce a single six-year presidential term.
