Femi Falana Dismisses Single-Term Debate as a Distraction, Urges Focus on National Issues

Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana has described the ongoing debate over a proposed single four-year presidential term as a distraction from Nigeria’s pressing challenges. His remarks come amid calls by some politicians, including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who recently reiterated his commitment to serving a single term if elected.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Falana criticized the conversation surrounding power rotation and term limits, urging political leaders to prioritize solutions to insecurity, power outages, hunger, and other critical issues affecting Nigerians.

“I’m not going to join the campaign for power shift or power remaining in one part of the country for four years or eight years. No, that’s diversionary,” Falana said.

Peter Obi has argued that a single-term presidency would help complete the informal agreement of rotating power between Nigeria’s North and South, promoting national unity. However, Falana insists the focus should remain on governance and addressing the country’s urgent needs.