Why Makinde Believes 8 Years Is Too Long for Any Politician

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has proposed a significant amendment to Nigeria’s constitution, scrapping the current two-term system for presidents and governors in favour of a single term of five or six years.

The governor made the bold recommendation on Friday during a Sallah homage at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, shortly after Eid-el-Kabir prayers. The delegation was led by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal and included key political, religious, and traditional figures such as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, former deputy governors Hazeem Gbolarumi and Hamid Gbadamosi, PDP Deputy National Chairman Taofeek Arapaja, and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland Dawodu Makanjuola.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Makinde argued that the second term often brings unnecessary political distractions, which weaken the quality of governance.

“I’ve spent six years already, and due to no fault of anybody, we lost 2020 to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“Then, we spent almost another year campaigning for re-election. Now, distractions have already started again, with people talking about what I’ll do next.”

Makinde said that out of eight years in office, elected leaders only have about five years of effective governance. He believes a single-term system would allow for uninterrupted focus and delivery, giving leaders a clear window to implement their agendas without worrying about re-election politics.

“That is why I feel a single tenure of five or six years is enough to focus and do the work we are trying to do in eight years,” he noted.

He clarified that his proposal is not self-serving, but a sincere observation based on firsthand experience.

“It has nothing to do with me. If they say I should end it, so be it. But let’s tell ourselves the truth based on available data.”

Governor Makinde called on stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to consider the suggestion seriously, stressing that the current model often limits leadership effectiveness.

In his goodwill message, Oba Ladoja, representing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, praised Makinde’s leadership style and commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that the governor has consistently ensured salary payments and prioritized good governance.

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