Chidoka Advocates Single-Term Presidency to Curb Electioneering, Refocus Governance
By Jerry Adesewo
The Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Osita Chidoka, has called for the adoption of a single-term presidency in Nigeria, arguing that the current two-term system fuels perpetual electioneering and diverts attention from effective governance.
READ ALSO: iREP 2026 to Spotlight Mobile Filmmaking as Ecobank Hosts Pre-Festival Training Workshop
Chidoka made the proposal while speaking at the Nigeria Leadership Series virtual town hall organised by the Africa Leadership Group, themed “Nigeria, 2026 and Beyond.” The session was hosted by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo.
Drawing lessons from countries such as Mexico, which operates a constitutionally entrenched single-term presidency, Chidoka said prolonged election cycles compress reform windows, weaken policy continuity, and undermine institutional performance. “Nigeria has effectively erased 2026 from its calendar while all eyes are on 2027,” he said, stressing that governance responsibilities persist beyond election seasons.
In a wide-ranging presentation, the Athena Centre Chancellor identified three major structural constraints slowing Nigeria’s progress: weak systems that rely too heavily on individual morality; the politics of emotion, which displaces evidence-based policymaking; and a widening trust deficit between citizens and the state, particularly among young Nigerians.
He cautioned that “morality without strong systems breeds frustration,” noting that good intentions cannot replace institutions capable of delivering consistent outcomes across administrations.
Looking ahead to 2026, Chidoka urged a systemic approach to security, deeper economic reforms beyond policy optics, and renewed focus on human capital development anchored in accountability and measurable results. He also criticised the disconnect between budgetary provisions and implementation, calling for closer alignment between public spending and national priorities.
Describing himself as an Afro-optimist, Chidoka said Nigeria’s creative energy could drive transformation if matched with evidence-based governance. “Governance must be backed by evidence,” he concluded, urging citizens to remain engaged and demand accountability.
The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership is a non-partisan think tank focused on advancing effective governance and leadership transformation across Africa, while the Africa Leadership Group convenes policy dialogues and civic platforms to promote institutional reform on the continent.
Chidoka Advocates Single-Term Presidency to Curb Electioneering, Refocus Governance