Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for a constitutional amendment to end the current two-term structure for elected public officials in Nigeria, proposing instead a single term of five or six years.
Makinde made this proposal on Friday while addressing Muslim faithful, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers.
The high-powered delegation was led by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, and included top dignitaries such as:
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Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland
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Former Deputy Governors Hazeem Gbolarumi and Hamid Gbadamosi
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Taofeek Arapaja, PDP Deputy National Chairman
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Dawodu Makanjuola, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo & Delta
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Federal lawmaker Abass Adigun Agboworin
“We Must Eliminate Re-election Distractions” – Makinde
Addressing the gathering, Governor Makinde said the current system creates unnecessary distractions as leaders spend a significant portion of their time and energy seeking re-election rather than focusing on governance.
“Effectively, the time we can say we are very serious with governance is just about five out of the eight years. We lost almost one year to COVID-19, and then another year to second-term campaigns. So why not make it a single term of five or six years, so leaders can focus?”
He emphasized that his suggestion is not self-serving but a reflection of his experience as a sitting governor.
“It has nothing to do with me. If they say I should end it, so be it. But this is a constitutional issue we must start looking at. It’s a model that could work for this country,” he said.
Support and Commendations
Representing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja commended Makinde for his leadership and commitment to workers’ welfare, particularly consistent salary payments. He also offered prayers for continued progress and peace in the state.
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