Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A fresh political controversy has erupted in Nigeria following remarks attributed to Ebonyi State senator Ken Eze regarding a proposed extension of tenure for elected office holders, with activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore launching a scathing attack and urging constituents to recall the lawmaker from the National Assembly.
The dispute centers on comments reportedly made by Ken Eze, who represents Ebonyi Central Senatorial District in the Senate under the platform of the All Progressives Congress. Eze was elected in 2023 and has participated in legislative debates on constitutional reform and governance restructuring. In recent days, social media platforms have circulated excerpts of a public engagement in which he was said to have advocated for a 16-year tenure structure for certain elected positions, triggering sharp reactions across political and civil society circles.
Nigeria’s current constitutional framework, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), provides for a four-year tenure for members of the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly, renewable once for executive positions such as president and governors, who are limited to two four-year terms. Any alteration to tenure limits would require extensive constitutional amendment procedures, including two-thirds approval by both chambers of the National Assembly and ratification by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
In a strongly worded response posted on his verified social media accounts, Sowore described the alleged proposal as “anti-democratic” and called on voters in Ebonyi Central to initiate recall proceedings against the senator. He used harsh language in his criticism, arguing that advocating for prolonged occupancy of political office runs contrary to democratic accountability and periodic electoral renewal. Sowore further asserted that public office is a trust that must be subjected to regular voter scrutiny, not extended through constitutional manipulation.
Sowore, who contested the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections under the African Action Congress, has built his political identity around anti-corruption advocacy and resistance to what he describes as entrenched political elites. His comments quickly gained traction online, fueling broader debate over tenure elongation and the perceived disconnect between elected officials and constituents.
At the time of reporting, there was no official statement from Senator Eze’s office directly addressing Sowore’s remarks. However, supporters of the senator have argued that the comments attributed to him may have been taken out of context or misinterpreted. Some political allies insist that discussions around governance reforms often involve exploratory ideas rather than concrete legislative proposals.
The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding tenure extension in Nigeria, where previous attempts to alter term limits have historically generated significant backlash. In 2006, a constitutional amendment widely believed to be aimed at enabling then-President Olusegun Obasanjo to seek a third term collapsed in the Senate after intense public opposition. That episode remains a reference point in national political memory, shaping public suspicion toward any perceived effort to lengthen political tenure.
Constitutional lawyers contacted by local media outlets emphasized that any proposal to extend tenure beyond current limits would face formidable procedural and political obstacles. They note that beyond legislative thresholds, such amendments would require widespread political consensus and could provoke strong resistance from civil society organizations wary of democratic backsliding.
Ebonyi State itself has witnessed evolving political dynamics in recent years, particularly following the defection of several high-profile figures between major parties. Senator Eze’s political trajectory has been shaped by these shifts, and his constituency includes a diverse mix of urban and rural voters whose expectations often center on infrastructure development, federal appointments, and equitable resource allocation. Observers say that the recall call, while legally permissible under Section 69 of the Constitution, is procedurally demanding and rarely successful in practice.
Under Nigerian law, a recall process requires a petition signed by more than half of the registered voters in a senatorial district, followed by verification by the Independent National Electoral Commission and a referendum in which a simple majority must support the recall. Historically, such efforts have either stalled at the signature verification stage or failed to secure sufficient voter participation in the referendum.
Political analysts suggest that Sowore’s intervention reflects broader frustration among segments of the electorate who perceive a widening gap between elected officials and public sentiment. In recent years, economic hardship, inflationary pressures, and debates over governance reforms have intensified scrutiny of public office holders. Any discussion of tenure elongation is likely to intersect with these anxieties, amplifying emotional and political responses.
Within the Senate, constitutional amendment discussions are not unusual. Lawmakers periodically propose changes addressing electoral timelines, fiscal federalism, local government autonomy, and judicial reforms. However, tenure-related amendments are particularly contentious because they touch directly on the foundational principle of rotational leadership and periodic accountability through elections.
For many Nigerians, the principle of term limits is closely tied to the country’s transition from military rule to civilian democracy in 1999. The two-term limit for executive offices is often viewed as a safeguard against authoritarian entrenchment. Even for legislative offices, although not subject to term limits, the four-year electoral cycle functions as a mechanism for voter oversight.
As public debate intensifies, attention is likely to shift toward clarifying whether Senator Eze formally intends to sponsor or support any bill that would materially alter tenure provisions. Absent a concrete legislative proposal, the controversy may remain in the realm of political rhetoric rather than institutional reform.
Sowore’s remarks have nonetheless injected renewed urgency into conversations about democratic norms, constitutional integrity, and the accountability of elected representatives. Whether the call for recall gains practical traction remains uncertain, but the episode underscores the enduring volatility of tenure politics in Nigeria.
In the coming days, political observers expect further clarification either from Senator Eze himself or from Senate leadership regarding the context and substance of the alleged 16-year proposal. Until then, the debate continues to reverberate across Nigeria’s political landscape, reflecting deep sensitivities about power, representation, and the boundaries of constitutional change.
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