In a bold critique of Nigeria’s political leadership, renowned human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has publicly supported presidential candidate Peter Obi’s proposal to limit presidents to a single term.
Farotimi argues that Nigeria’s past leaders, despite lengthy tenures, have failed to deliver meaningful progress, leaving the nation stagnated.
Speaking on Channels Television’s flagship breakfast show Sunrise Daily on Monday, Farotimi delivered a scathing verdict on Nigeria’s recent presidents: “Obasanjo had eight years—what did he really accomplish? Buhari also held power for eight years—yet what tangible progress emerged? Unfortunately, both periods set Nigeria back rather than forward. Now, Tinubu’s two years seem to be taking us fifty years backward.”
Farotimi’s assessment challenges the common political narrative that longer tenures inherently foster development, instead emphasizing the quality and impact of governance over mere duration.
Obasanjo led Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, ushering in the Fourth Republic but also facing criticism over corruption and governance lapses.
Buhari’s administration, from 2015 to 2023, was marked by security challenges and economic struggles. Tinubu, who took office in 2023, has faced scrutiny over policies perceived as regressive.
Farotimi, known for his fearless calls for justice and reform, emphasized that transformative leadership does not depend on prolonged rule. “Peter Obi’s idea of a one-term presidency resonated with me from the election cycle. It’s not about how long one stays in office, but what is achieved in that time. If I ever ran for president, I’d argue two years could suffice to make impactful changes.”
Obi has been consistent in his pledge to serve only one four-year term if elected, a promise he first made during a well-attended X Space session in June. His recent suggestion to model Nigeria’s presidency after South Korea’s single five-year, non-renewable term system has stirred debate across the nation.
“Limiting presidents to one term ensures focus and accountability. In South Korea, leaders know they have a fixed time to deliver results. Nigeria needs that discipline to break the cycle of complacency and stagnation,” Obi explained.
This position contrasts sharply with the entrenched practice of two-term presidencies in Nigeria and has generated a spectrum of reactions, from skepticism about feasibility to praise for its potential to redefine governance.
