We, the Igbos, Cannot Wait 60 Years to Produce a President Who Will Serve for Only Four Years – Kalu

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has argued that the South-East should not have to wait decades to produce a Nigerian president only for the region to receive a single four-year term in office.

According to a report by Arise News, Kalu made the remarks while speaking at a political rally about the region’s political aspirations, Kalu questioned whether one four-year presidential term would be sufficient after what he described as a 60-year wait for the South-East to produce a president.

He said: “We, the igbos, cannot wait 60 years to produce a president who will serve for only four years.”

He argued that the region deserved an opportunity to benefit from a full eight-year presidential tenure, suggesting that a longer period in office would provide more time to pursue development goals and strengthen the region’s representation at the federal level.

Kalu’s comments came as APC supporters gathered in Enugu to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Deputy Speaker used the occasion to encourage political alignment with the ruling party, presenting continued support for Tinubu as a way for the South-East to improve its standing within the federal government.

His remarks also brought renewed attention to the debate over regional representation, power rotation and the South-East’s long-standing aspiration to produce a president.

However, the argument that the region needs an eight-year presidential tenure reflects Kalu’s political position. Nigeria’s constitution limits a president to two elected terms of four years each, meaning an eight-year tenure depends on winning re-election.

The comments add to the ongoing political discussion about how the South-East can pursue its presidential ambitions and secure greater representation in national leadership ahead of 2027.

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