Nasis El-Rufai
By Olamilekan Abayomi
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed the single-term presidency pledges made by Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, both presidential hopefuls of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). El-Rufai questioned the practicality of such promises, arguing that four years in office is insufficient for any administration to deliver meaningful change. He emphasized that complex national issues demand sustained effort and policy consistency beyond a single term.
As a former governor who served for eight years, El-Rufai believes real governance requires more time to yield tangible results. He stressed that Obi and Amaechi, having served as state governors, should be aware of the time it takes to implement reforms. El-Rufai’s comments directly counter the promise made by Obi and Amaechi to serve only one term and return power to the North, a pledge seen by some as a political strategy to promote regional balancing.
El-Rufai’s skepticism stems from his experience as governor, where he implemented various reforms over eight years. He argues that meaningful change takes time, and at least eight years are needed to make significant changes in governance. Promising to serve only one term is deceitful and unrealistic, as things change once politicians get into office. It’s wrong for aspirants to give up their right to a second term, as real reform in governance requires continuity beyond a four-year cycle.
El-Rufai’s remarks have sparked reactions, highlighting ongoing debates about tenure, effectiveness, and the political calculations shaping the upcoming electoral contest. Obi and Amaechi’s single-term promise aims to promote power rotation, allowing a Northerner to become Nigeria’s president in 2031. However, El-Rufai’s criticism underscores the challenges of achieving meaningful change within a limited timeframe.
