Olanipekun Shares Insights On Obasanjo’s Rejection Of Single-Term Presidency Idea

Olanipekun Shares Insights On Obasanjo’s Rejection Of Single-Term Presidency Idea

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has emphasized the need for a Constitution that addresses the realities of Nigeria’s diverse geo-political zones. Speaking to journalists in his Ikere Ekiti hometown, Olanipekun reflected on the single-term presidency...READ MORE…

plan proposed during his tenure, which was rejected by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Olanipekun stated that the proposal was designed to stabilize Nigeria and promote equitable governance. He explained that the NBA’s well-researched plan included a single-term presidency of five or six years, with six vice presidents representing each geo-political zone. Each vice president would oversee specific portfolios, ensuring inclusive representation across federal ministries.

“If the President is from the South-West, for instance, there would be no Minister of Education from that zone if their vice president handles the Education portfolio,” Olanipekun noted. This system also ensured that a vice president from the same geo-political zone as the President could complete the term in cases of impeachment or death.

The proposal aimed to rotate the presidency among the six zones, fostering unity and national stability. However, Obasanjo rejected the initiative despite its detailed framework and research.

Reflecting on the Constitution, Olanipekun criticized its current form as insufficient for Nigeria’s challenges. He advocated for a home-grown Constitution that genuinely reflects the nation’s complexities, calling for a comprehensive review rather than piecemeal amendments.

Olanipekun remains firm that such structural reforms are vital for Nigeria’s progress and equitable governance.