Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for a constitutional amendment to replace Nigeria’s current two-term presidency with a single five-year tenure.
Obi made this proposal on Thursday during a town hall meeting with youth groups and traditional leaders in Bauchi State, as part of his ongoing national tour to engage with citizens on governance and reform.
“We need to eliminate the distraction of a second-term ambition. A single five-year term will allow presidents and governors to focus squarely on governance and delivering results,” Obi said.
He added that the current system often leads to wasted years as officeholders become consumed with re-election strategies rather than effective administration. He emphasized the need to reform political structures to prioritize service delivery over political survival.
📣 A Bold Reform Proposal or Political Idealism?
Peter Obi’s statement has reignited national conversations about the structure of Nigeria’s executive leadership. While some civil society groups have welcomed the suggestion as a way to reduce electoral tension and corruption, critics argue that term limits help ensure accountability and prevent power abuse.
Political analysts also noted that such a proposal would require broad constitutional amendment, needing the support of both the National Assembly and two-thirds of Nigeria’s state legislatures—a significant political hurdle.
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🗣️ Reactions From Political Observers
Human rights lawyer Ayo Obe commented:
“A five-year single term could work, but only if coupled with stronger institutions. Otherwise, it risks creating unchecked executives.”
Meanwhile, some youth leaders in Bauchi who attended the meeting praised Obi for raising critical governance issues and offering practical alternatives to long-standing political norms.
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📌 Editorial Note – Stone Reporters News
At Stone Reporters News, we believe that thoughtful proposals, such as Mr. Obi’s, deserve robust public dialogue and balanced reporting. As Nigeria grapples with its democratic development, reforms that foster accountability, focus, and stability should be given serious national consideration.
Stay with us on www.stonereportersnews.com for continuous updates on national developments and join the conversation on our Facebook page Stone Reports.
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🖋️ Reported by: The Editorial Desk, Stone Reporters News
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