Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for a constitutional amendment that would establish a single tenure of six years for elected political office holders in Nigeria, stating that such a structure would allow leaders to serve the people more effectively without the distractions of re-election campaigns.
Makinde made the call on Friday in Ibadan while receiving a delegation of Muslim faithful and prominent personalities who visited his residence shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers.
The delegation was led by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, and included the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja; Hazeem Gbolarumi; Hamid Gbadamosi; a House of Representatives member, Abass Adigun Agboworin; and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawodu Makanjuola.
Addressing the gathering, the governor stressed the need for leaders to focus on governance rather than being encumbered by the politics of securing a second term.
Makinde said, “A single tenure of five or six years is enough for any government that is serious about serving the people. That is why I believe if we remove all these distractions, six years is actually enough to do the work many struggle to complete in eight years.”
He noted that the call was not personal but based on data and experience from governance, saying, “Well, we shouldn’t be afraid to state the facts based on available data. It has nothing to do with me. If they say I should end it, so be it.”
The governor’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about political reforms and improved governance structures in Nigeria.
Makinde’s statement is likely to spark renewed debates on the restructuring of political tenures as Nigerians continue to assess the performance and accountability of their leaders.
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