Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has once again declared that he will serve only one term of four years if elected President of Nigeria, describing his vow as “sacrosanct” and rooted in a legacy of purposeful leadership.
Speaking on Sunday, Obi aligned himself with iconic leaders like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, all of whom made transformative impacts despite serving relatively short terms.
“Abraham Lincoln served only four years, yet his legacy endures. John F. Kennedy didn’t complete a full term, but his vision still inspires. Nelson Mandela chose to serve only one term despite public pressure to continue,” Obi said. “Power must serve the people, not the self.”
The former governor’s reiteration of his single-term promise comes amidst growing scepticism in political circles.
Recently, two public remarks questioned the credibility of his vow — one suggesting that even a shrine oath wouldn’t be trusted, and another calling for psychiatric evaluation for anyone promising to serve only one term.
Obi responded directly and said, “I understand the basis of their scepticism. They are judging me by their own standards—where political promises are made to be broken. But Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth.”
He pointed to his tenure as governor of Anambra State as evidence of his political integrity.
“When I entered politics in Anambra, I made clear promises to the people: to improve education, healthcare, build roads, and manage public funds prudently. I fulfilled those promises without deviation,” he said.
“I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable as a result of honouring my word.”
Obi insisted that his four-year commitment is not only constitutionally valid but practically sufficient to begin Nigeria’s transformation.
“If making such a promise qualifies me for psychiatric evaluation, then we may as well question the mental fitness of those who framed our Constitution,” he added.
“I maintain without equivocation: if elected, I will not spend a day longer than four years in office.”
He also took aim at the prevailing culture of prolonged tenures among African leaders, arguing that extended rule often breeds corruption and erodes public trust.
“The longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it. Purposeful, accountable service—however brief—is what defines true statesmanship,” he said.
Obi outlined a series of priority areas for his four-year term, including, sanitising the governance system, and tackling insecurity through transparent use of national resources.
Other areas are Investing in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation; supporting small businesses to stimulate economic growth; and combating corruption with unflinching resolve.
He added that his broader vision is to transition Nigeria from a “consuming nation to a productive one,” driven by agriculture, technology, and manufacturing rather than rent-seeking and waste.
“These are not utopian dreams,” Obi stated. “They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years.”
Obi acknowledged the prevailing distrust in the political system but expressed confidence that a new leadership model—anchored in integrity and accountability—can restore hope.
“We must rebuild trust in our country. I have dedicated my public life to proving that leadership with integrity is not a myth. I have done it before, and I will not betray that trust,” he said.
