Four-Year Presidential Term Inadequate for Development – Goodluck Jonathan

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has voiced strong concerns over the effectiveness of the four-year presidential term in Ghana and Nigeria, describing it as insufficient for achieving sustainable national development.

Speaking at the Executive Leadership Retreat held in Ada, Ghana, Dr. Jonathan argued that the limited duration of the presidency significantly hampers the ability of leaders to implement long-term policies and transformative initiatives.

“In Africa, it is only Nigeria and Ghana that have a four-year presidential tenure. Most other countries have five years. What meaningful impact can someone make in just four years?” he questioned, pointing to the systemic constraints of the current political structure.

Dr. Jonathan further explained that newly elected presidents often require a substantial amount of time to understand the complexities of governance, leaving them with only a narrow window to effect real change before the next election cycle begins.

“If you’re a new leader, you’ll likely spend your first year getting acclimated. Then you have about two years to work, and by the fourth year, everyone is focused on the next election. That barely leaves any room to truly move a country forward,” he noted.

His remarks have reignited discussions across both Ghana and Nigeria on whether the current four-year term adequately supports national growth and governance objectives, with many stakeholders calling for a review of the system to align with broader development goals.

By Phalonzy