Kenneth Eze, a Senator representing Ebonyi under the APC banner, is pushing for a nationwide discussion on changing the length of presidential terms in Nigeria. Instead of the present system of two possible four-year terms, he thinks a single 16-year term might be better.
Eze, who heads the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, shared this idea with reporters at his home in Ohigbo-Amagu, Ezza South Local Government Area, on Monday.
His main worry is that holding elections every four years disrupts the country’s progress. He believes that the constant campaigning gets in the way of making lasting improvements.
Eze said, Every four years, we’re back to campaigning. By the third year, it’s hard to get anything done because everyone is focused on the next election. That’s why projects get abandoned, and important plans never fully develop.
He pointed out that while the current constitution allows a president to serve two four-year terms, he personally would support a single 16-year term. It might sound strange, but it would allow policies to be fully implemented and create a more stable government, Eze explained.
Eze suggests getting rid of the two-term limit altogether and replacing it with a longer term. This, he argues, would take away the pressure of re-election, letting leaders focus on making changes that benefit the country in the long run.
He emphasised that areas like electricity, roads, farming, and financial systems need consistent attention that goes beyond short-term political goals. He believes a longer presidential term could provide that stability.
