Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has called for a constitutional reform to limit Nigeria’s presidency to a single five-year term, drawing inspiration from South Korea’s model. Speaking at a political forum in Abuja, Obi argued that a single-term presidency would promote efficiency, reduce political tensions, and allow leaders to focus on delivering results without the distraction of re-election campaigns.
“The Nigerian presidency should be a single term of five years, like South Korea’s,” Obi stated. “This system encourages leaders to prioritize governance over political maneuvering. A focused, one-term tenure would push leaders to deliver measurable progress within a defined period, fostering accountability and reducing the cost of prolonged electioneering.”
Obi highlighted South Korea’s single-term presidency as a model of stability and progress, noting that it has contributed to the country’s rapid development. He contrasted this with Nigeria’s current system of two four-year terms, which he described as prone to fostering self-interest and divisive politics. “When leaders know they have only one chance to serve, they are more likely to act in the nation’s best interest,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also addressed concerns about leadership quality, urging Nigerians to prioritize competence and vision in selecting leaders. He emphasized that a single-term system would only succeed if accompanied by robust mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
Obi’s proposal comes amid growing debates about constitutional reforms to address Nigeria’s governance challenges. He called on the National Assembly to consider the single-term model as part of broader efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.
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