Umaru Bago has reiterated his support for a single-term limit for state governors, despite announcing his intention to seek reelection in the 2027 polls.
Speaking on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected local government chairmen, vice-chairpersons, commissioners, and board members, Governor Bago emphasized that a single-term system would enhance governance efficiency, accountability, and smooth transitions.
He described the event as the launch of the second phase of the “New Niger” agenda and called on the newly inaugurated officials to support his administration in fulfilling its campaign promises.
Governor Bago, a long-time proponent of constitutional reform to restrict governors to one term, argued that such a measure would foster political stability and improve public service delivery by allowing leaders to govern without the distractions of reelection campaigns.
“I remain an advocate of a single term for governors,” Bago stated. “When a governor knows he has only one term, he can devote his full attention to governance — free from political maneuvering, succession planning, or negotiations aimed at securing a second term.”
The governor also suggested that a single-term system would empower leaders to take stronger, more decisive actions without political pressure. He revealed that certain disciplinary measures against underperforming officials had been postponed due to electoral considerations.
“There were actions I would have taken today, but I have deferred them until after the election. Some individuals have repeatedly underperformed and become burdens on the system — under a single-term framework, I would have acted more decisively,” he explained.
Bago expressed concern over the pervasive influence of politics in governance, noting, “Unfortunately, everything in Nigeria is deeply single term would allow leaders to govern with greater focus and integrity.”
