NIGERIA’S PROBLEMS GO BEYOND SIX-YEAR SINGLE TERM PRESIDENCY — ADEBAYO
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has dismissed proposals for a single six-year tenure for presidents and governors, arguing that the debate does not address Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday, Adebayo reacted to plans by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to introduce a bill seeking a single six-year term for elected executives.
While supporters of the proposal believe it would allow office holders to concentrate on governance without the distraction of re-election campaigns, Adebayo maintained that Nigeria’s priority should be electoral reform rather than tenure adjustments.
He described the discussion as a distraction, insisting that the country’s real challenge is building a political and electoral system that functions effectively and reflects the will of the people.
According to him, Nigeria needs an electoral process where voters determine election outcomes transparently and political parties compete based on ideas and leadership quality.
Adebayo stressed that efforts should be focused on eliminating electoral malpractice and ensuring that every vote counts.
He argued that debates over how long elected officials remain in office are secondary to ensuring that those who assume office emerge through credible elections.
The SDP candidate said the existing constitutional arrangement of a four-year term, renewable once, remains adequate if elections are free, fair, and transparent.
On reports of multiple presidential aspirants emerging within the SDP, Adebayo downplayed concerns, saying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should simply apply the law in addressing any internal party disputes.
He also advocated issue-based politics, urging political parties to engage voters through policies, programmes, and ideas rather than personal attacks and political distractions.
Adebayo concluded that strengthening democratic institutions and restoring public confidence in the electoral process should take precedence over discussions on extending or shortening political tenures.
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