Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for a constitutional amendment to introduce a single six-year term for elected officials across all levels of government in Nigeria.
Speaking after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Eid Ground in Agodi, Ibadan, on Friday, Makinde told visiting Muslim clerics, traditional rulers, and political figures that a single term would allow leaders to focus fully on governance without electoral distractions.
Makinde said, “I’ve spent six years in office. We lost a full year in 2020 due to COVID-19, and another year to campaigning for re-election. Now, fresh distractions are emerging over what comes next. Realistically, only five of those eight years were available for effective governance.
“If we eliminate these distractions, a five- or six-year single term would suffice to achieve meaningful progress.”
He stressed that the proposal required a constitutional review but expressed confidence in its suitability for Nigeria.
“This isn’t about me. If it means ending the term earlier, so be it. We must face the facts and look at available data. This model can work for the country,” Makinde said.
He had previously demonstrated this vision through developmental projects and a focus on inclusive governance. The governor also used the opportunity to congratulate the Muslim community on witnessing another Eid-el-Kabir and expressed gratitude for their continued support and prayers for his administration.
Former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Olubadan, urged citizens to support the state government and prayed for further achievements under Makinde’s leadership.
Oyo’s Deputy Governor, Abdulraheem Lawal, echoed the spiritual message of the festival, calling on Muslims to embrace obedience and sacrifice as core values, while thanking Governor Makinde for prioritising workers’ welfare and timely salary payments.
The gathering included notable figures such as PDP Deputy National Chairman Taofeek Arapaja, former Deputy Governors Hazeem Gbolarumi and Hamid Gbadamosi, and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawodu Makanjuola.
Although the House of Representatives rejected a similar bill in 2024, prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Anambra Governor Charles Soludo have also supported the idea of a one-term presidency to reduce political tension and promote productivity.
Despite legislative setbacks, the proposal remains a topic of national relevance, with advocates like Governor Makinde continuing to push for structural reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.