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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for a major change in Nigeria’s political system, advocating for a single term of five or six years for elected office holders, from presidents to governors and beyond.
Speaking on Friday, June 6, 2025, during a courtesy visit by Muslim appointees and political functionaries at his Ikolaba residence, Makinde argued that this shift would help leaders focus on delivering results without the distraction of seeking re-election.
Four years may not be enough to do everything you want, but a single term of five or six years is long enough to make a real impact and move on,” Makinde said, as reported in posts on X.
He believes a single-term structure, inspired by the leadership model of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), would push politicians to prioritise governance over campaigning for a second term.
Makinde, who won a second term in 2023 after his first election in 2019, has long supported this idea.
In 2023, he told PFN leaders in Ibadan that he initially didn’t want a second term, stressing that a single term allows leaders to focus on lasting achievements. “Politicians should learn from PFN’s single-term leadership. It’s about doing your best and leaving a legacy, not chasing another term,” he said at the time.
The governor’s proposal has sparked lively debate. Supporters say a single term could reduce election costs and political scheming, allowing leaders to focus on development.
Critics, however, argue it might limit accountability, as leaders won’t face voters again. Makinde, known for his people-focused policies like improving healthcare and education in Oyo State, urged Nigerians to pray for leaders and engage in politics to ensure better governance.
As Nigeria grapples with economic and security challenges, Makinde’s call for a single-term system adds a fresh angle to the conversation about political reform.
Whether this idea gains traction remains to be seen, but it’s clear the Oyo governor wants leaders to put the country first.
