Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has urged the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for a six-year single term for Nigeria’s President and state governors.

Senator Kalu, who serves on the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review and Amendment, made the call in a video message posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

He explained that the proposal was aimed at reducing political tension, promoting national stability, and allowing elected leaders to focus on governance rather than the endless pursuit of re-election.

“In my private opinion as a person, I would like to appeal to my colleagues on this committee, chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubril Barau, that our members in the Senate and the House of Representatives, chaired by Hon. Benjamin Kalu, should come together and agree to do the six-year single tenure,” Kalu stated.

“Because people are busy fighting after four years. They are fighting for another term. Let everybody who is coming know that he is just coming for a six-year single term, and there will be no rancour or problems. Let us devote most of our time to giving Nigerian people what they want,” he added.

Kalu maintained that the single-term arrangement would help curb corruption and encourage public officials to focus on improving citizens’ welfare.

“Everybody needs enjoyment. I want the Nigerian people to have the enjoyment of democracy,” he said.

“That single tenure can give them what they want, provide food on their table, provide adequate transport, provide access to movement for them, and security.”

The lawmaker further urged his colleagues to take into account Nigeria’s economic realities and not simply imitate Western systems.

“A single term is the best tenure to go with, and that will give confidence in our democracy. We must not do what the American Constitution is saying. We must change some of those things in the American Constitution because we are in a developing country,” Kalu said.

According to him, Nigerians are “suffering because we want to do what the presidential system of America is doing, and our economy cannot carry it.”

He argued that the struggle for a second term fuels corruption among government officials.

“I see a lot of people in the executive arm in a hurry to acquire more wealth to be able to run for a second term. This (single term) will stop it,” he noted.

Kalu proposed that the new system could take effect either in 2027 or 2031, depending on the consensus reached by lawmakers and stakeholders.

“We can start this from 2027 or 2031, I don’t care. Even those that are governors now can run for a six-year single tenure from 2027 or 2031.

“It doesn’t make any (different) meaning. If we decide, we can amend the constitution to start from 2031, or we can amend it to start from 2027. It is for the good of Nigerians,” he said.

He clarified that his proposal was not for personal gain but rather to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

“Nigerians should start appreciating for us to do what is for the benefit of our people. I don’t care the name anybody will call me. I will always speak and say the truth,” Kalu maintained.

“I said that in Africa, Nigerian journalists are the best, and I still stand by it. I said that in Africa, the Nigerian judiciary is the best, and I still stand by it. We have to stand up to speak the truth,” he added.

The idea of a single tenure for the President and governors has long been debated in Nigeria. Supporters argue that it would reduce the high cost of elections, limit political tension, and discourage incumbents from manipulating the electoral process in pursuit of re-election.

In 2011, former President Goodluck Jonathan proposed a similar single six-year tenure, clarifying that it would not apply to him if approved.

The proposal was later dropped after public criticism that it could entrench power or destabilise the political transition process.

While critics of the idea say a single term could deprive citizens of the chance to renew the mandate of performing leaders, advocates insist that it ensures fairness and compels leaders to deliver results within a fixed timeframe.

For Advert, Event Coverage/Press Conference Invite, Story/Article Publication & Other Media Services
Contact Us On WhatsApp
Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest and Interesting News Across Nigeria and the World