Former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi has formally submitted a proposal to the opposition coalition, pledging to serve only a single term if adopted as the coalition’s consensus candidate in the 2027 presidential election.
THE WHISTLER reports that the coalition adopted African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday night where former Senate President, David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola emerged National Chairman and Secretary respectively.
The proposal has reportedly received strong backing within the ranks of the opposition, with many viewing it as a compromise that could break the lingering deadlock between Northern and Southern blocs in the coalition.
“This is a pronouncement rooted in integrity, and Peter Obi embodies that. What Nigeria needs now are leaders with integrity,” said Dr. Yinusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Tanko made the disclosure shortly after Obi was conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title of ‘Sarki Maskan’ (War Hero) by a northern emirate council, in what many see as a gesture of endorsement from parts of the North.
According to Tanko, Obi’s proposal is already being reviewed by leaders of the opposition alliance, which includes elements from the Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and reformist blocs within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We have presented it to the coalition. It is there for them to make a decision. But we are confident it can work,” Tanko stated.
“Obi has said clearly — even though the single term is not in the constitution — that he is committing himself to serve only one tenure. He believes four years is more than enough to accomplish his mission.”
Obi’s single-term pledge is seen as a political masterstroke designed to ease Northern concerns over an extended Southern presidency, should a Southern candidate emerge victorious in 2027.
“It’s a win-win situation,” said a senior coalition member who supports the proposal.
“The North doesn’t want to wait another eight years. The South believes it’s entitled to finish what it started. Obi’s four-year proposal solves both problems,” he stated.
The power rotation debate has remained a sticking point within the opposition coalition. After the North held power under President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023), the South was widely expected to lead for at least eight years.
However, opposition leaders from the North have resisted backing a Southern candidate for a full term in 2027, citing political imbalance and marginalization since Tinubu became president in 2023.
Obi’s plan is designed to break this logjam.
Speaking recently during a live broadcast on a popular YouTube platform, Peter Obi reaffirmed his commitment to the proposal.
“If I am adopted as the coalition’s candidate, I am ready to serve for only one term. Four years is enough to lay the foundation for a new Nigeria,” he said. “Even stabilising electricity alone will solve a multitude of problems.”
He further pledged that under his leadership, Nigeria would transition from a consumption-based economy to a productive one, and that planes would no longer leave the country’s airports empty due to an export-driven revival.
“I am not here to build dynasties. I’m here to build systems,” Obi added. “It’s time we restore trust and deliver results.”
The Obidient Movement — a political force composed mainly of youth, urban professionals, and reform-minded activists — has thrown its weight behind the proposal.
