Senator, Kenneth Eze Calls For 16-Year Single Presidential Tenure To Boost Policy Continuity
Kenneth Eze has suggested a major overhaul of Nigeria’s presidential tenure system, proposing a single 16-year term in place of the current arrangement of two four-year terms. The senator, who represents Ebonyi Central under the APC and serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, made the remarks while addressing journalists at his country home in Ohigbo-Amagu, located in Ezza South Local Government Area. Eze expressed concern that the existing four-year tenure structure disrupts governance and long-term development. He argued that frequent election cycles distract leaders from fully implementing policies and completing projects. “Every four years, we return to campaign mode. By the third year, governance slows as attention shifts to re-election; that is why projects are abandoned, and policies are not allowed to mature. “Nigeria’s constitution provides for a four-year presidential term, renewable once, but if you ask me, I will advocate one tenure of 16 years. It sounds controversial, but it will allow policies to run their full course and stabilise the system,” Eze said. He clarified that his proposal should not be interpreted as an attack on democratic values but rather as an invitation to rethink governance structures in the country. According to the lawmaker, any move toward extending presidential tenure would require an inclusive national dialogue and constitutional amendments to ensure that democratic principles, checks and balances, and accountability mechanisms remain intact.
