In a fiery campaign speech, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has sparked controversy by asserting that politicians who pledge to serve only one term in office should undergo psychiatric evaluation. The governor, speaking at a rally for his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Awka, dismissed such commitments as deceptive and irrational, claiming they undermine democratic norms.
“Anyone who says they’ll stay for just one term must be sent to a psychiatric home,” Soludo declared, arguing that Nigeria’s constitution permits elected leaders to serve up to eight years. “Where has it ever happened that someone voluntarily limited their tenure? To make such a promise is to take voters for fools.” His remarks come amid renewed debate over political term limits in Nigeria, particularly after former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi recently proposed a one-term presidency to facilitate power rotation to the country’s northern region.
Soludo tied his criticism to Anambra’s zoning system, a practice that rotates governorship among the state’s three senatorial districts. He emphasized that after his expected eight-year tenure, the next governor should come from Anambra Central, as per the arrangement. “Candidates from Anambra South seeking the office now are deliberately sabotaging this agreement,” he said, accusing rivals of courting chaos. The governor also took aim at opponents’ credentials, stating, “Anambra has no place for street urchins or those without basic qualifications. Some lack even a secondary school certificate yet aspire to lead.”
While Soludo did not name specific individuals, his comments are seen as indirect criticism of political figures like Obi, whose one-term proposal has drawn both praise and skepticism. Observers note that Soludo’s stance reflects tensions over power-sharing agreements in Nigerian politics, where zoning is often deployed to address regional inequities but remains fraught with disputes.
Political analysts suggest the governor’s blunt rhetoric may aim to consolidate support within his party ahead of future elections while reinforcing Anambra’s commitment to rotational leadership. However, critics argue that dismissing one-term pledges as “mental instability” oversimplifies broader calls for equitable governance reforms. As Nigeria grapples with demands for accountability and inclusivity, Soludo’s remarks highlight the polarizing nature of tenure debates in a nation where extended leadership tenures have historically fueled public distrust.
