KEY POINTS
- Peter Obi promises to only serve one term.
- Obi says that great leadership doesn’t need to last long.
- His promise goes against a system that is based on broken promises.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate for president in Nigeria’s 2023 election, has repeated his promise to serve only one term if he wins in 2027. The ex-governor of Anambra State remarked that his four-year promise is not simply a political move; it is also a moral promise based on history and his own beliefs.
His statement, which he tweeted on his official X account, comes at a time when Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has been making veiled criticisms of him. Soludo recently said that politicians who promise to serve only one term should be checked out by a psychiatrist.
Peter Obi’s promise of one-term presidency draws fire
Obi brought up famous people from around the world, like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, all of whom served short terms or chose not to stay in power too long. He added, “Staying in office for a long time is not a sign of success.” “It is purposeful, accountable service—however brief—that defines true statesmanship.”
He said that staying in power typically leads to corruption and degeneration, which is something that happens all too often with African leaders. He said that the Peter Obi one-term presidency promise is about rebuilding trust in government. Obi stated, “Even in a world where people are cynical, actions can still match words.”
He says his record makes his vow credible
Obi said that his past as governor showed how serious he was about his promise. “I didn’t need a shrine to keep my word back then, and I don’t need one now,” he added.
Obi said that he is different from most Nigerian politicians because he keeps his promises on education, healthcare, rural development, and being financially responsible. “Forty-eight months is enough time for a focused leader to make real change,” he said.
He promised to fight poverty, corruption, insecurity, and a weak economy by turning Nigeria into a productive economy based on agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
Questions about ADC crossover arise from coalition involvement
At the same time, Obi’s increasing role in the opposition alliance formed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is making some wonder if he would switch parties. Sources inside the party say that Obi has not officially joined the ADC, even though he has been involved in coalition events.
The ADC has given him and other important people, such former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a unique waiver that lets them keep their existing party membership while working together on coalition activities. A party insider stated, “This is all about strategy.” “After important elections like the Anambra governorship, they will look at their positions again.”
Obi is still backing Labour Party candidates for now, but he is also working with the larger opposition movement to try to take down the ruling party in 2027.
