Soludo: Politicians Promising Only One Term Should Undergo Psychiatric Evaluation
Awka, Anambra State – August 2, 2025
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has sparked debate by declaring that any politician who pledges to serve only a single term in office should be subjected to psychiatric evaluation.
“One-Term Promise is Unrealistic”
Speaking at the Anambra South endorsement rally for his second-term bid, Soludo criticized what he described as a “populist but impractical” political promise. According to him, Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution clearly provides for up to two terms for elected executives, and voluntarily limiting oneself to just one term undermines the essence of governance continuity.
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“If any politician says they will serve only one term, they need a psychiatric examination. Governance requires stability and planning beyond just four years,” Soludo said.
Context: Political Debate Over Single-Term Pledges
Soludo’s comment comes amid increasing discussions around single-term agreements in Nigerian politics. Some candidates have previously promised to run for only one term, framing it as a way to promote fairness and rotation of power. However, the governor dismissed the idea as “politically unserious and constitutionally unnecessary.”
Governance Requires Continuity
The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor argued that complex socio-economic reforms demand consistency and long-term implementation strategies that usually extend beyond a single term.
“You cannot fix systemic problems in four years and then walk away. Nigeria’s challenges require sustained policies, not experimental pledges,” he added.
