Senator Eze Proposes Single 16-Year Term for Nigerian President

Senator Kenneth Eze (APC–Ebonyi Central) has called for a shift from Nigeria’s current two-term, four-year presidential structure to a single, non-renewable 16-year tenure.

Speaking with journalists on Monday at his country home in Ohigbo-Amagu, Ezza South LGA, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation argued that the existing four-year cycle undermines development by disrupting policy continuity.

“Every four years, we return to campaign mode. By the third year, governance slows as attention shifts to re-election; that is why projects are abandoned, and policies are not allowed to mature,” he said.

He acknowledged that his proposal may seem controversial but stressed its potential to allow long-term policies to run their full course and bring stability to the system. “Nigeria’s constitution provides for a four-year presidential term, renewable once, but if you ask me, I will advocate one tenure of 16 years. It sounds controversial, but it will allow policies to run their full course and stabilise the system,” Eze explained.

He urged that the suggestion be viewed as a contribution to governance discourse rather than an attack on democratic principles. Eze also called for broader national dialogue on constitutional reform to explore whether an extended tenure could enhance implementation while preserving necessary checks and balances.