“A single 6-year term will reduce waste and boost development, says Kalu.”

Kalu criticized the current two-term system of four years each, stating that it is costly and distracts elected officials from focusing on governance. He also touched on the compensation of senators, noting that their earnings aren’t sufficient to cover their responsibilities.

During a Thursday evening appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, monitored in Abuja, Kalu shared his views: “When I was governor, I advocated for a single six-year term. Back then, President Obasanjo thought I was targeting him, and that was part of the start of our disagreements. I pushed for this because of the expenses tied to re-election and economic management. Once a governor or president takes office, their primary focus is often re-election, not the needs of the people. Most politicians are fixated on securing a second term. The only way to eliminate this distraction is to offer no re-election incentive by instituting a single six-year term. This would enhance performance since many feel pressured to accumulate funds for a second run.”

Kalu further advised the government to cut back on unnecessary spending, including aid to other nations and regional bodies.

Regarding accusations that the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate is a rubber stamp for the executive, Kalu dismissed claims of excessive remuneration and benefits for senators. He clarified: “I sit in the Senate and often hear false claims about senators. Some received assistance to purchase vehicles, but I didn’t. There are no official vehicles for senators, only committee vehicles. Meanwhile, appointees travel with six-car convoys. We are elected, yet we don’t even have vehicles.

“We face a lot of demands. If someone in our constituency is sick, they turn to us. If a child can’t pay school fees, they come to us. The misconception about legislators is baffling. As a senator, I earn N14 million monthly, which covers everything—my salary, staff wages, office expenses, and even fuel. But this isn’t enough.”

On whether he’s proud of the APC’s performance, Kalu responded: “Yes and no. My party has been unlucky. The APC has done well in certain economic areas, but the current administration isn’t continuing from where Buhari left off, and that’s the challenge. They’re trying to reform the economy, but it’s bringing hardship to the people. The president knows Nigerians are suffering and hungry. He’s connected to the streets—sometimes he drives around Abuja at night to see what’s happening firsthand. He’s not a president who’s isolated.”

Kalu also denied any rift between himself and President Tinubu, as well as rumors of plans to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio.