Why Governor Seyi Makinde Pushes For Single 6-Year Tenure In Nigerian Politics

IBADAN – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has put forward his support for a single term of five or six years for politicians in Nigeria.

This proposition was communicated in a statement released on August 16, 2023, in Ibadan by Mr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

The call for a single term came four months after Makinde was reelected for a second term as the Governor of Oyo state.

Makinde’s suggestion was made during a dinner in honor of the National Executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), marking the commencement of their retreat in Ibadan.

The governor emphasized that a single term of this duration would provide sufficient time for political officeholders to accomplish their goals without the distraction of seeking reelection.

In his statement, Makinde said, “I am a supporter of a single-term structure. As a matter of fact, I didn’t want a second term and I told the fathers of faith that four years may not be long enough to do everything that you want to do, but it’s long enough to make your own impact and go your own way. But maybe, if we have the opportunity to discuss this, I think a five or six-year single term will really be enough for most of us to do whatever it is that we are supposed to do.”

Makinde also urged Nigerians to direct their prayers towards those in positions of authority.

He emphasized that political campaigns have concluded, and the focus should now shift to effective governance.

According to Makinde, governance centers around the nation’s best interests and well-being, and political parties come and go, while the country endures.

He encouraged citizens to pray for and collaborate with those holding positions of authority.

Also, Makinde applauded the retreat’s theme, “Going from Strength to Strength,” stating that it accurately reflects where Nigeria should be as a nation.

He called on all Nigerians to unite in the effort to rebuild the country and urged Christians to pray for the restoration of Nigeria’s glory, enabling it to progress from strength to strength.