Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State recently made a candid revelation about the challenges of governance in Nigeria, highlighting how the pursuit of a second term in office can compromise decision-making. Speaking at the swearing-in of newly appointed commissioners, local government chairmen, permanent secretaries, and board members, Bago admitted that political calculations often limit bold actions that could advance state development.
He explained that first-term governors are often hesitant to take decisive steps that might upset influential stakeholders critical to their reelection, even if such measures are in the public interest.
“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. Some people who failed examinations and should have been sanctioned could not be punished because of second-term ambition,” he said.
Bago therefore advocated for a single term for governors, arguing that it would allow officeholders to focus fully on governance without the distraction of campaigning:
“As the Governor, I am preoccupied with the search for a second term in office, and as a result, governance is suffering. One term is better because you can focus from the beginning to the end of your tenure.”
Support from Prominent Figures
The proposal has garnered support from several Nigerian leaders and analysts:
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Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Senate President, backed Bago’s suggestion, noting that a single term could curb the corruption and waste associated with second-term campaigns. He advocated a six-year non-renewable term for presidents and governors to allow officeholders to focus entirely on development rather than re-election.
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Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, described Bago’s confession as a reflection of a systemic issue in Nigeria’s political system, emphasizing that single terms could free leaders from the pressure of electoral politics, enabling bold reforms and long-term planning. He stressed, however, that institutional oversight and accountability mechanisms remain essential.
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Barr. Femi Aborisade, a human rights activist, noted that the diversion of public funds toward political campaigns infringes on citizens’ rights to essential services. He suggested that single-term tenures could reduce incentives for corruption, provided strong institutions and monitoring mechanisms are in place.
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Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, former Minister of Education and Health, also endorsed a six-year single term, citing previous constitutional proposals during Vice President Alex Ekwueme’s tenure, but warned that tenure alone cannot ensure effective governance without capable leaders.
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The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) argued that single terms would allow executives—and potentially legislators—to focus on their responsibilities without the distraction of second-term ambitions.
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Public affairs analysts such as Ayo Fadaka and Lanre Ogunsuyi echoed the sentiment, highlighting that current two-term politics often delay critical reforms, compromise accountability, and allow corruption to thrive.
Voices of Caution
Some experts, however, raised concerns about single-term arrangements:
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Sara-Igbe, former security adviser to the Rivers State governor, warned that single terms might encourage leaders to engage in reckless spending, knowing there are no electoral consequences.
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Comrade Ashaye Wasiu and other analysts emphasized that the effectiveness of tenure reform depends on institutional strength, oversight, and a culture of accountability, noting that leadership attitude and priorities often matter more than the number of terms.
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Zik Gbemre argued that without addressing the culture of corruption, even a single term may not improve governance.
Conclusion
Governor Bago’s frank admission has reignited the national conversation about tenure limits and governance in Nigeria. Supporters argue that a single, non-renewable term could reduce corruption, strengthen focus on development, and improve accountability, while opponents warn it could incentivize reckless behavior if not coupled with institutional reforms.
Bago’s comments underline a critical tension in Nigeria’s political system: the conflict between effective governance and the pursuit of political survival. Whether Nigeria adopts a single-term system or strengthens existing structures, the debate highlights the urgent need for reforms that prioritize public service over personal ambition.
“Everything in Niger State is being politicised, and more decisive actions cannot be taken. As Governor, I am preoccupied with the search for a second term, and governance is suffering. One term allows focus from start to finish,” Bago stated.
