Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State recently stirred a national debate after openly admitting the structural flaws of Nigeria’s two-term political system and calling for a single tenure for governors and the president. Speaking at the swearing-in of newly appointed commissioners, local government chairmen, and other officials, Bago said fear of losing re-election often discourages incumbent governors from taking bold decisions needed to drive development.
According to him, an office holder in a first term is usually constrained by political calculations, avoiding actions that could offend influential groups critical to securing a second term. He revealed that some disciplinary actions he ought to have taken were abandoned due to concerns about how they might affect his chances in 2027. Bago argued that a single tenure would free leaders from such distractions and allow them to focus fully on governance from start to finish.
Although the idea of a single term is not new—having featured in the 2014 National Conference report—Bago’s position has drawn widespread attention because it comes from a sitting first-term governor. Many Nigerians have since expressed support, calling for a constitutional amendment.
Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, endorsed the proposal, describing the second-term culture as a major driver of corruption and waste. He argued that leaders often divert public funds to finance re-election bids instead of development. Wabara reiterated his long-standing support for a single six-year term, adding that rotational leadership would also address long-standing marginalisation concerns.
Legal luminary, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, said Bago’s confession exposes the conflict between governance and political survival. While supporting a single, non-renewable term, he cautioned that it must be complemented by strong institutions, legislative oversight, and judicial independence to ensure accountability.
Together, these views have reignited a critical national conversation on political reform and governance efficiency in Nigeria.
