Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reiterated his stance that Nigeria’s president should serve a single tenure of five years, replacing the current four-year renewable term. Obi believes this reform would help eliminate the distraction of re-election campaigns and allow the president to focus entirely on delivering on campaign promises and implementing long-term development plans.
He made this proposal on Friday during a courtesy visit to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, at the Government House. Obi explained that the option of a second term often shifts the attention of presidents away from governance towards political maneuvering and securing another term in office.
“I’ve said it and I want to say it again in this Government House that if I have the opportunity, we should stop having a second tenure for president. It should be five years straight, so that people can come in knowingly they have a job to do. What people do now is to be president for one year and use the rest of the years thinking about their next tenure. We must stop it, let’s face the real job, do your own and go,” Obi stated, stressing that leaders must have clarity of purpose from the outset.
The 2027 presidential hopeful further highlighted the need for stronger and more independent political party structures. He argued that parties should not be built around individuals in power but should be institutionalised to outlast any administration. “I want the party to be bigger than the president and the governors so that we can have orderliness,” he added, calling for reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.
In response, Governor Bala Mohammed praised Obi for his political ideals but also extended an invitation for him to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which Mohammed described as Obi’s original political home. “We want you to come back to the PDP. Please come back because that is where you belong. We want you to be in the PDP, there are plans, desires and strategies,” Mohammed said, urging opposition forces to unite.
The Bauchi governor also appealed to opposition leaders to put aside ego and personal ambition to work together for the good of the Nigerian people, noting that collaboration would be essential in holding the ruling party accountable and improving governance.
Netizens Reactions…
Prince Muhammed Tadese Gcfr reacted: “This is the person that tells u that 2 years is enough for him to solve Nigerian problem.”
PrinceDr Rich Adetule wrote: “Loading small small. 4 years to 5 years. This man na gbajue.”
Moses Gbenga added: “From 4 years to 5 Years. Probably by next year it will be 6 years and before 2027 it will be 7 years, see inconsistency. We are waiting o.”
Sesan Emmanuel Daodu wrote: “Madman has given you advice again.”
Dayo Emmanuel asked: “But 8 years is good for the Governors…?”
Layi Akanbi said: “That is a good idea. Let us start it with Tinubu on his second term. U think say u wise…”
Kehinde Abiodun Oke reacted: “So not 4 years again? I swear Obi is a confused man and original gbajue. Can you his followers see his master how confusing he is….. A man who doesn’t really know what he wants….. Mr packaging.”
Abdulhameed Ibrahim said: “The same Obi that said he will resolve Nigeria’s problems within two years is now clamoring for 5 years? What does he need the extra 3 years for again?”
Azoribe Kaycee Caleb said: “Confusion everywhere..”
Mr Mao added: “All I can see is desperation.”
Olufemi Mustapha advised: “He should push for it if he ever become president.”