Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has sparked a national debate by advocating for a single, non-renewable term for both state governors and the President of Nigeria. Speaking at the swearing-in of newly appointed commissioners, local government chairmen, permanent secretaries, and board members, Bago explained that the fear of losing a second-term election often discourages decisive governance.
“There are some steps I ought to have taken to move the state forward but I dare not because of fear that taking such decisions would affect my victory in 2027,” Bago said. He further explained that some individuals who should have faced sanctions for failing examinations were spared due to the constraints of second-term ambitions. “As the Governor, I am preoccupied with the search for a second term in office and as a result, governance is suffering and this is why one term is better to serve because you will be more focused from the beginning to the end of your one term tenure,” he remarked.
The call for a single term is not new; it was part of the 2014 National Conference resolutions. However, Bago’s openness as a first-term governor has drawn significant public support for constitutional amendment to adopt the system.
It Will End Corruption and Waste — Senator Wabara
Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, endorsed Bago’s proposal, arguing it would curb corruption and waste associated with second-term campaigns. Wabara said:
“I sincerely doff my hat for Gov. Bago for being very truthful and selfless. He actually hit the nail on the head. Second term is not working for us because, once a President or Governor is elected, instead of performing, his or her concentration, from the first day of the first term, will be on how to win a second term. If we adopt a single tenure, an elected President or Governor won’t need the second term to make the first impression.
This will also help to stop corruption in the system. Governor Bago was right because instead of using monies meant for development during the first term, the President or Governor will be saving money to use in buying second term and that is institutionalisation of corruption. I, therefore, call on Nigerians to support one term of six years for the President and Governors. This will enable them to fully concentrate on the job, and to be very effective. Rotation will also help solve the issue of marginalisation against Ndigbo because every geopolitical zone will constitutionally take a bite at the Presidency once in every 36 years. With this in place, the South East and the North East which have not produced the President can also constitutionally take their turn. This way, Nigeria will be more united and solve the problem of marginalisation.”
Single, Non-Renewable Term Merits Consideration — Chief Ayorinde
Legal expert Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, also supported the call, emphasizing the tension between governance and political survival:
“Governor Bago’s confession lays bare a fundamental tension in our political system: the conflict between the imperatives of effective governance and the compulsions of political survival. When an executive is constantly preoccupied with the prospects of a second term, the focus on long-term policy planning and bold reform is inevitably diminished.
From my perspective, the notion of a single, non-renewable term for both the presidency and governorship merits serious consideration. Such a model has the potential to liberate the executive from the shackles of electoral calculation, allowing decisions to be taken in the interest of the people rather than for political expediency. It could encourage leaders to be bolder in pursuing reforms, to invest in long-term projects, and to exercise fiscal prudence without the distraction of campaigning.
However, the introduction of a single-term system is not a panacea. Without robust institutional oversight, legislative scrutiny, independent auditing, and an empowered judiciary, even a non-renewable executive may act without sufficient accountability. The success of such a reform depends not only on tenure limits but also on strengthening the very structures that ensure transparency, responsibility, and the rule of law.
Ultimately, Governor Bago’s candid reflection should provoke a national conversation about the nature of political tenure and the quality of governance in our country. It is an opportunity for us to consider reforms that place the public interest above the narrow pursuit of political longevity.”
Governor Bago’s remarks have ignited widespread public discourse, with many citizens, political analysts, and civil society groups echoing the call for reform that prioritizes effective governance and curbs the excesses of second-term ambitions.
