Kenneth Eze (APC–Ebonyi) has called for a nationwide debate on replacing Nigeria’s current two-term, four-year presidential cycle with a single 16-year tenure.
Mr Eze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, made the call on Monday while addressing journalists at his country home in Ohigbo-Amagu, Ezza South LGA.
He argued that frequent election cycles undermine policy continuity and slow national development.
“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,” he said.
The lawmaker proposed scrapping the two-term structure in favour of a single, extended tenure that would free leaders from electoral pressure and enable long-term reforms.
He noted that critical sectors such as power, infrastructure, agriculture and fiscal reform require sustained commitment beyond short political cycles.
According to him, irrigation schemes, mechanised farming programmes and energy reforms need continuity to deliver measurable impact.
Mr Eze also defended recent economic measures, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing them as necessary to avert fiscal collapse.
“We were borrowing to pay salaries. That is not sustainable for any country; tough decisions are necessary to secure long-term stability,” he added.
He maintained that the proposal should be viewed as a governance discussion rather than an attack on democracy, calling for a broader national dialogue on constitutional reform to assess whether a longer tenure could improve policy implementation while preserving checks and balances.
Mr Eze acknowledged that any constitutional amendment would require approval by the National Assembly and ratification by state legislatures, stressing that the process must be transparent and participatory.
Beyond tenure reform, he urged citizens to embrace civic responsibility and patriotism, challenging journalists, teachers, civil servants and parents to promote national values, noting that policy changes alone cannot transform the country.
