APC lawmaker says four-year election cycle fuels abandoned projects, weak governance, and policy instability

A serving senator has sparked fresh constitutional debate after calling for Nigeria to replace its current two-term, four-year presidential system with a single 16-year tenure.

Kenneth Eze, senator representing Ebonyi State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the proposal on Monday while addressing journalists at his Ohigbo-Amagu country home in Ezza South Local Government Area.

Eze, who chairs the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, argued that Nigeria’s frequent election cycles disrupt governance, weaken policy continuity, and slow national development.

According to him, the four-year term structure keeps leaders in near-permanent campaign mode, leaving little time for effective governance.

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

While acknowledging that the 1999 Constitution provides for a four-year presidential term, renewable once, the lawmaker said the system has failed to deliver sustainable development.

“If you ask me, I will advocate a single tenure of 16 years. It may sound controversial, but it will give leaders enough time to implement long-term policies and stabilise the system,” Eze added.

He called for a nationwide debate on the proposal, stressing that removing re-election pressure would allow presidents to focus fully on governance, institutional reforms, and national growth rather than political survival.