KEY POINTS
- The single seven-year term proposal targets political stability.
- The single seven-year term model reduces election-related waste.
- A longer single tenure could strengthen governance outcomes.
Adewunmi Falode, a professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at Lagos State University, has advocated for a constitutional reform to implement a single, non-renewable seven-year term for Nigeria’s elected politicians. He presented his argument during LASU’s 115th inaugural lecture in the Buba Marwa Auditorium, contending that the nation’s existing two-term framework has engendered a cycle of political instability and inefficiency.
Pushing single seven-year term reforms
Falode’s proposal complements the appeals from prominent individuals such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, economist Pat Utomi, former NBA President Wole Olanipekun, and former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, advocating for a singular tenure of five to six years. Falode stated that the current four-year renewable setup has consistently compromised governance.
According to Punch, he cited Mexico and the Philippines as examples of nations that operate under single-term presidencies. He contended that Nigeria would gain from a seven-year cycle that ensures a minimum of four years of stable rule, with the subsequent duration allocated for electoral petitions and campaigns.
Falode characterized Nigeria’s democracy as both discriminatory and expensive. He referenced the consistent increases in federal election budgets—from N1.5 billion in 1999 to N242.2 billion in 2022—while observing that litigation costs and the economic repercussions of electoral disturbance are excluded from these amounts. He stated that, notwithstanding substantial expenditures and the human cost, the courts frequently dictate outcomes.
Why single seven-year term matters
The professor advocated for what he termed “competitive federalism,” asserting that Nigeria requires a decentralized framework that empowers individual states. He stated that this would not constitute regionalism but would enable states to function under clearly delineated rules that promote collaboration while acknowledging their unique circumstances. He referenced prior constitutional conventions that generated papers which, if enacted, may facilitate equitable growth and enhance unity.
Falode attributed President Bola Tinubu’s recent tax reform initiatives as a progression towards fiscal federalism. He stated that measures granting states increased responsibility for revenue production would assist them in diversifying their economic base and enhancing infrastructure spending.
In addition to constitutional reform, he recognized education as a crucial element for national cohesion. He contended that mandatory education to secondary level will mitigate extreme ideology and enhance civic consciousness.
The lecture attracted luminaries such as the Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege; LASU Vice-Chancellor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Taiwo Afisi; Registrar Emmanuel Fanu; and PUNCH Managing Director Joseph Adeyeye.
