The Labour Party’s Peter Obi has reaffirmed his commitment to serving only a single four-year term if elected President of Nigeria.
In a recent post on his X handle on Sunday, Mr. Obi emphasised that his word is his bond and that his vow to serve only one term remains sacrosanct.
Obi also said that purposeful, transparent leadership does not require an eternity in office.
He further argued that longevity in office was not a mark of success, but rather purposeful, accountable service, even if brief, that defines true statesmanship.
According to him, “History has shown that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it”.
He cited Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela as examples of leaders who left enduring legacies without serving two terms.
Obi’s one-term promise has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning his sincerity.
The current governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, recently questioned the rationale behind vows by some politicians to serve only one term, saying such “needs psychiatric examination.”
Obi responded by saying that those doubting his one-term vow were merely judging him by their own standards.
He emphasised that he has a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation and that he will not spend a day longer than four years in office if elected.
Obi said that service should be impactful, not eternal.
He emphasised that he is committed to serving the Nigerian people and making a positive impact during his tenure, rather than seeking to hold onto power for an extended period.
