The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Worldwide has stressed that African leaders must recommit to presidential term limits to end “sit-tight governance” and ensure smooth democratic transitions.

The chairman of the group, Chibuzo Ubochi, made the call in a telephone interview in Abuja.

Mr Ubochi, also the chairman of NiDO-Europe, called on the African Union and regional blocs to treat unconstitutional tenure extensions with the same seriousness as coups.

He observed that the “sit-tight” approach practised by some African heads of government had become a troubling pattern, leading them to manipulate their nations’ constitutions.

Mr Ubochi attributed the elongation of constitutional tenure of office by public officials to remaining in power beyond their original mandate and to the weakening of governance institutions. According to him, Sit-tight syndrome erodes public trust, fuels instability, constrains civic space, and often goes hand in hand with corruption and human rights abuses.

He stressed the need to establish  mandatory transparent voter registration, open results-management systems, and credible domestic and international observation, including structured diaspora participation.

According to Mr Ubochi, elections should be competitive pathways to leadership, not ceremonial exercises.
Ubochi advocated legal frameworks to pave the way for independent candidates and meaningful diaspora participation through voting rights abroad.

He also sought the inclusion of dual citizenship and fair access to contest in the constitutions of African nations, adding that leadership should be earned on merit, not monopolised by entrenched political party machinery.

“Unified, non-partisan diaspora platforms, such as NiDO, demonstrate how citizens exposed to functional democratic transitions can advocate coherently for accountability.

“African diaspora organisations should also work closely with host governments to secure protection for activists and their families, including asylum pathways, emergency visas and human-rights monitoring.

“Although fear remains one of the most effective tools of authoritarianism, such must be overcome. Beyond resisting bad leadership, Africa must cultivate expectations of accountability,” Mr Ubochi said. 

(NAN)