Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joe-Kyari Gadzama has thrown his weight behind the proposed single six-year tenure for Nigeria’s president and governors, saying it would give elected leaders enough time to formulate and complete major development projects.
Gadzama, a Life Bencher and pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), shared his views in an interview while discussing the ongoing constitutional amendment debate.
Gadzama Lists Benefits of Single Six-Year Term
According to the senior lawyer, a single six-year tenure would allow leaders to focus on governance instead of preparing for re-election campaigns.
He said the current two-term structure often shifts attention from governance to politics shortly after an administration takes office.
“A single six-year term would give a leader sufficient time to formulate, implement, and complete developmental projects without the constant distraction of campaigning.”
He also argued that the proposal could reduce political tension and discourage the winner-takes-all approach that often characterises elections in Nigeria.
Proposal Could Reduce Election Costs
Gadzama said extending a single tenure to six years could also lower the cost of elections and promote political stability.
According to him, fewer election cycles would reduce public spending and ease the political tension that usually accompanies nationwide polls.
He added that linking the proposal with a constitutional rotation of the presidency among the six geopolitical zones could strengthen national unity and reduce regional grievances.
Lawyer Warns Against Weak Accountability
Despite supporting the proposal, V acknowledged that a single six-year tenure has potential drawbacks.
He warned that removing the opportunity for re-election could weaken electoral accountability because voters would no longer have the chance to reward or reject an incumbent after a first term.
“Six years is a very long time to endure an incompetent or tyrannical executive with no constitutional mid-term corrective measure.”
He stressed that any tenure reform should form part of broader constitutional changes rather than stand alone.
Constitutional Amendment Still Required
Gadzama noted that the 1999 Constitution currently provides for a four-year tenure that can be renewed once for both the president and state governors.
He explained that changing the tenure system would require an amendment to the Constitution. Such an amendment must secure the approval of two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly and at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can take effect.
