ABUJA — Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has made a public pledge to serve only one term as president if he wins the 2027 election. Obi said he would not remain in office for more than four years even if pressured to do so.
Obi made the commitment in an interview that generated significant public discussion on Thursday. He said his goal is to reform Nigeria’s institutions and set the country on the right path, not to stay in power indefinitely.
“I will not stay a day longer than four years. Even if they put a gun to my head, I will not stay,” Obi said. He described his potential presidency as a mission to fix governance structures rather than accumulate political power.
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The Presidency responded to Obi’s pledge with skepticism. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga questioned Obi’s credibility on the issue, pointing to what he described as past political inconsistencies. The Presidency said Obi’s word could not be trusted.
Obi, who ran for president under the Labour Party in 2023 and came third in the official results, has not formally declared which platform he will use for a 2027 run. Political observers are watching to see whether he remains with Labour Party or crosses to another party.
The one-term pledge is unusual in Nigerian politics, where most political figures do not voluntarily limit their tenure. Political analysts say the move is a strategic one aimed at differentiating Obi from other aspirants and appealing to voters who are frustrated with long-serving politicians.
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Supporters of Obi, known as Obidients, praised the pledge on social media. Many described it as evidence of his commitment to servant leadership. Critics, however, questioned whether such promises can be binding in practice.
Obi has also been vocal on other national issues this week, condemning the EFCC raid on the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and calling on the government to respect human rights and due process.
As 2027 draws closer, Nigerian politics is becoming increasingly heated. Multiple presidential aspirants are now declaring their intentions across different political parties, setting the stage for a fiercely contested race.
