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| Peter Obi |
Firstsitenews-Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reignited controversy in Nigeria’s political landscape after reaffirming his commitment to serve only one term if elected president in the 2027 general elections.
Obi’s statement, released on Sunday, declared the one-term pledge “sacrosanct,” sparking strong reactions from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and revealing deep divisions within his own party, the Labour Party (LP).
While the Abure-led LP faction dismissed Obi’s declaration as political grandstanding, the caretaker faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman endorsed it, describing the former Anambra State governor as a man of integrity with a consistent record of principled leadership.
The APC was quick to criticize Obi, calling his one-term promise disingenuous and branding it a calculated move to gain public sympathy ahead of the polls.
Adding fuel to the fire, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, harshly criticized Obi’s vow. Speaking at a rally in Anambra South, Soludo said any politician promising to serve just one term should undergo psychiatric evaluation.
“Anyone with a functioning brain wouldn’t make such a statement,” Soludo said. “You walk up to Nigerians and say you’ll only serve one term that’s insulting. The Constitution allows for a renewable four-year tenure. Why would anyone voluntarily limit themselves unless they have a mental problem?”
In response, Obi took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend his position, drawing inspiration from global figures like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela. He argued that impactful leadership is not determined by time in office but by purpose and accountability.
“Abraham Lincoln served four years but left an enduring legacy. John F. Kennedy didn’t complete a full term but still inspires generations. Nelson Mandela chose to serve only one term, despite calls to stay longer. In Africa, the longer many leaders stay, the more they succumb to corruption,” Obi wrote.
He added, “My commitment is not driven by emotion but by principle. I will serve only one term of four years if elected. That vow is sacrosanct.”
Obi acknowledged the skepticism his pledge had generated, referencing indirect jabs made by unnamed political figures.
“I’ve heard remarks one said even if I swore by a shrine, I wouldn’t be trusted; another said I need a psychiatric test. They are judging me by their own standards. But Peter Obi is different. I have a track record that speaks louder than their doubts,” he said.
Reaffirming his resolve, Obi said he believed that four years is sufficient for a serious and focused leader to drive major reforms. He outlined his vision for Nigeria, which includes revamping governance, tackling insecurity, prioritizing education, and transforming the economy into a productive, inclusive system.
“Forty-eight months is enough for any prepared leader to make a meaningful difference. These are not pipe dreams they are realistic goals that can be achieved within a single term,” he stated.
When contacted by The PUNCH, Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiorah Ifoh, maintained that all elected officials under the party must align with its collective program and principles, signaling that internal party consensus would remain a factor moving forward.
As 2027 approaches, Obi’s one-term presidency gambit appears set to remain a focal point in Nigeria’s unfolding political drama.
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