CUPP Rejects Six-Year Single Term Proposal for Nigeria

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has rejected the proposal for a six-year single term for the presidency and state governors in Nigeria, labeling it unnecessary and ineffective in solving the country's challenges. CUPP spokesperson Mark Adebayo and former NPSA president Prof. Hassan Saliu expressed concerns that extending the tenure of elected officials would not address pressing issues such as security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The proposal, announced by Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele, aims to allow elected officials to focus on governance without the distraction of re-election campaigns. However, CUPP warned that the proposal could fuel suspicions of a hidden agenda to elongate the tenure of current officeholders, recalling past controversies surrounding attempts to amend constitutional term limits.

They argued that a single term would deny voters the opportunity to assess and renew mandates based on performance, emphasizing the importance of political attitudes and values in delivering good governance.