Former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Osita Chidoka, has advocated the adoption of a single-term presidential system in Nigeria, arguing that the current two-term structure encourages perpetual electioneering and undermines effective governance.
Chidoka made the call during the Nigeria Leadership Series virtual town hall organised by the Africa Leadership Group. The event, themed “Nigeria, 2026 and Beyond,” was hosted by the Group’s President, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, and convened policy experts, civic leaders and citizens to assess Nigeria’s governance outlook.
According to Chidoka, extended political cycles distract leaders from long-term reform, as attention is frequently diverted toward re-election strategies rather than sustained development planning. He cited countries such as Mexico, where a constitutionally entrenched single-term presidency limits political distractions and compels leaders to focus on delivery within a defined timeframe.
He observed that national attention in Nigeria has already shifted to the 2027 general elections, despite 2026 remaining a critical year for governance. “Life does not stop because elections are approaching,” Chidoka said, noting that challenges in education, healthcare and security persist irrespective of the political calendar.
In his presentation, Chidoka highlighted structural weaknesses impeding national progress, including fragile institutions overly dependent on individual integrity, the prevalence of emotion-driven politics over data-informed decision-making, and a widening trust deficit between government and citizens, particularly the youth.
He cautioned that reliance on moral leadership without strong institutional frameworks often results in policy inconsistency and public disillusionment, stressing the need for systems capable of delivering results regardless of who holds office.
Looking ahead to 2026, Chidoka urged the government to tackle security challenges through coherent strategies rather than rhetoric, deepen economic reforms beyond superficial measures, and strengthen human capital development with measurable accountability. He also criticised persistent gaps between approved budgets and actual implementation, calling for closer alignment between public expenditure and national priorities.
Describing himself as optimistic about Africa’s future, Chidoka said Nigeria’s vast creative and human potential could be unlocked through purposeful governance, enabling the country to build a more inclusive society with reduced inequality and oppression.
Participants at the town hall commended his analysis and called on citizens to remain actively engaged in national discourse. Chidoka concluded by urging Nigerians not to withdraw from civic life, emphasising that evidence-based engagement and accountability are essential to rebuilding public trust and setting a clear national direction.
