Storm Brews Over Single Term Presidency Bill

A new bill proposing a single six-year term for the president and governors has ignited significant debate among Nigerian citizens and political figures. The bill, which aims to replace the current two-term system where each term lasts four years, was introduced by 35 members of the House of Representatives. It also suggests rotating the presidency among the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and creating a second vice-presidential position. The lawmakers behind the bill, known as “The Reformers,” argue that these changes will address regional agitations, reduce the cost of governance, and promote national unity.

Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo), a member of The Reformers, emphasized that the proposed alterations aim to address demands from various parts of the country for a fairer governance structure. He noted that the single six-year term would reduce the financial and political pressures associated with re-election campaigns, thus allowing elected officials to focus more on governance.

However, the bill has generated anxiety within the House of Representatives. Some lawmakers, citing the sensitivity of the issue, have refrained from publicly discussing the bill. A deputy chairman of a committee, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, “I am not a party to that bill and whatever my position is will be said on the floor of the chamber.”

The reaction from the public and political commentators is divided. Pa Dele Alake, an octogenarian, expressed support for the bill, believing it could provide a more stable foundation for governance and end the cycle of ineffective leadership. Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, also endorsed the bill, arguing that it would reduce corruption linked to re-election campaigns and promote regional equity in leadership. Hon. Stephen Adewale, former Ondo State Chairman of the ADP, agreed with the concept of a single term but suggested a five-year term instead. He cited similar reforms in the university system that have yielded positive results, indicating that a shorter, focused term might encourage politicians to serve the public better.

In contrast, High Chief Peter Ameh, spokesperson for the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP), argued that the real issue is the lack of purposeful leadership rather than the term length. Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), viewed the bill as a misplaced priority, emphasizing more pressing issues such as insecurity and economic instability. He suggested that the National Assembly should focus on creating equity, such as by creating an additional state in the South-East.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) strongly opposes the bill, describing it as anti-democratic and threatening to mobilize student protests. NANS National Clerk of the Senate, Yekini Adewale, labeled the bill as a smokescreen to divert attention from the current economic pains and challenges facing Nigerians. He argued that removing the possibility of a second term would erode accountability, probity, transparency, and responsibility among political leaders.

The Igbo National Council (INC) also warned that a single six-year term could lead to massive looting, as officials might prioritize personal gain over governance. INC President Chilos Godsent called for the National Assembly to amend the constitution to hold separate elections for the president, governor, and legislators to encourage healthy competition and reduce rigging.

Chief Emeka Diwe, National President of the Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU), suggested that the problem of Nigeria’s democracy is not the term length but corruption and lack of integrity among public office holders. He stressed that only the election of candidates with integrity would help solve the issue, noting that a single term could still be effective if the right leaders were in place.

Professor Olugbenga Oke-Samuel, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Adekunle Ajasin University, advocated for locally-tailored solutions to Nigeria’s unique challenges, suggesting that the current governance structure needs a more creative and localized approach. Lanre Ogunsuyi, former Commissioner for Information in Osun State, highlighted the need to address systemic issues in the electoral process, arguing that simply changing the term length would not solve deeper political problems.

Opinions from the general public also vary. Mrs. Titilola Ojulangbe, a trader, emphasized that good governance is more important than the length of the term, while Mrs. Ajayi Modupe, a public servant, supported the single-term proposal, believing it would curb excesses in governance. Legal practitioner Ayobami Oke saw potential for increased national harmony through equitable power distribution among ethnic groups.