SDP's Adebayo rejects six-year presidential term idea as unnecessary diversion

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, has rejected the idea of a single six-year term for presidents and governors, claiming it diverts attention from more critical issues such as electoral integrity and effective governance in Nigeria.

n

Adebayo expressed his views during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, in response to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele's plans to introduce a bill seeking a single six-year term for elected executives, which proponents argue would enable leaders to focus on governance rather than re-election campaigns.

n

The SDP presidential candidate emphasized that the key challenge facing Nigeria is not the length of time spent in office, but rather the credibility of the electoral process that produces its leaders, describing the debate as a distraction from the real problems.

n

Adebayo stated, "It's a distraction, these are all idle talks, a six-year term, a four-year term—that's not the problem, the problem is that you have to have a system that works," highlighting the need for a functional system.

n

According to Adebayo, Nigeria's priority should be to establish a political system where election outcomes reflect the will of voters, rather than being influenced by manipulation or irregularities, ensuring that the voter's decision is paramount.

n

He noted that electoral reform should take precedence over debates about constitutional tenure, emphasizing the need to address the issue of rigged elections and ensure that voters' choices are respected.

n

Adebayo stressed that the current constitutional arrangement is sufficient if elections are free and credible, saying "I think the present system of four years—and if you are good enough, you go for another four years—is good enough if the people who are actually going to the government are going there only by winning a free, fair, and credible election."

n

Regarding reports of parallel presidential candidates within the SDP, Adebayo downplayed concerns, describing the situation as a normal aspect of party politics and urging INEC to focus on following the law.

n

He also advocated for issue-based politics, encouraging political parties to compete on ideas, policies, and programs rather than personal attacks or identity-driven campaigns, promoting a more substantive approach to political discourse.

n

Adebayo suggested that political parties should engage in a competition of ideas, with the media providing a platform for equal hearing, allowing Nigerians to make informed decisions when the time comes.