The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has submitted a formal proposal for a single four-year tenure to the emerging opposition coalition.
Naijaonpoint reports that the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, confirmed the development on Tuesday.
Tanko made the disclosure during a ceremony in Pantami, Gombe State, where Obi was conferred with the traditional title of ‘Sarki Maskan’ (War Hero) and issued a commendation letter by the District Head of Pantami, Mai Martaba Abdullahi, in recognition of his humanitarian interventions in the community.
Also honoured was Obi’s former media aide, who received the title of ‘Dan Maje Babba Pantanmi’.
Speaking to Punch on the sidelines of the event, Tanko confirmed that Obi’s four-year tenure proposal has been presented to the high-level coalition, which includes prominent opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark.
Tanko said, “We have presented it to the coalition. It is there for them to make a decision. But we are confident it can work.
“This is a pronouncement rooted in integrity, and Peter Obi embodies that. What Nigeria needs now are leaders with integrity.”
He said Obi believes a single four-year term is sufficient to kick-start Nigeria’s transformation and revive the ailing economy.
Tanko said, “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.”
Tanko added that resolving Nigeria’s electricity crisis alone under Obi’s leadership would “solve a multitude of problems,” including boosting local production and cutting foreign dependence.
He said, “He is promising that under his leadership, Nigeria will become an exporting country again. Planes will no longer leave our airports empty.”
Why Obi Accepted Pantami’s Title After Years Of Declining Honours
Tanko also addressed Obi’s decision to accept the Sarki Maskan title, noting that the honour holds particular significance given its origin from a northern Muslim community.
Tanko explained, “Obi is not a man who chases titles. But this one is special. It comes from a northern community recognising an Igbo man for his generosity and impact.
“It speaks volumes about Obi’s growing national acceptance, especially in the North where he was less favoured during the 2023 elections.”
The Obidient coordinator cited Obi’s community projects in Northern Nigeria, including borehole installations and Almajiri school interventions, as examples of his grassroots popularity.
“In Pantami today, there is clean water not just for people but even for animals. Locals now say, ‘Go fetch me water from Peter Obi’s borehole.’ That tells you something has changed,” he said.
Tanko noted that Obi’s support for entrepreneurship among northern youths and personal donations to underprivileged schools have further endeared him to communities once considered politically distant.
Concluding, Tanko described the recognition from Pantami as a symbol of shifting political alliances, suggesting that the North may be warming up to Obi’s message ahead of the 2027 elections.