APC described the former governor’s promise as insincere and a ploy to woo voters despite his reassurance.
By Kehinde Okeowo
All Progressives Party (APC) and a faction of the Labour Party (LP) have said former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, should not be taken seriously despite reiterating his commitment to serving only one term if elected president in 2027.
Obi, had in a statement shared on his official X page on Sunday evening, declared that the pledge is “sacrosanct,”
He was reacting to a comment by Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, that any politician who promises to stay in office for one-term of four years needs psychiatric evaluation.
Reacting to the statement, Obi invoked the legacies of revered leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela to justify his position that impactful leadership is not measured by longevity in office.
He said, “Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it. Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service — however brief — that defines true statesmanship.”
The LP chieftain further declared: “It is within this context that I reiterate my vow: I will serve only one term of four years if elected President. And that vow is sacrosanct.”
Despite his reassurance, APC described Obi’s promise as insincere and a ploy to woo voters.
According to the Director of Publicity of the ruling party, Bala Ibrahim, the LP 2023 presidential candidate’s words lacked sincerity.
“He is playing to the gallery. Obi is not sincere. What is there to guarantee that he will stick to the agreement if he is given the opportunity, knowing that he has the constitutional right to go for eight years? All these are antics aimed at deceiving the electorate or deceiving the coalition to give him the ticket. This is a proof of his desperation for power,” he said.
He added that “Obi is not doing this for the good of the country. He has nothing to offer. The APC is doing everything to bring democratic dividends to the people, and the reforms introduced by the government are beginning to yield fruits.
“They have seen this, and that is why they are coming up with shenanigans of ‘give me one term.’ Obi will not respect that agreement.”
Also wadding into the conversation, the Abure-led leadership of the LP dismissed the vow as political theatrics.
ALSO READ: Obi replies Soludo, says ‘transformative leadership doesn’t require prolonged occupation of office’
Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH on the issue, the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Mr Obiorah Ifoh, noted that as a party, the LP had a programme that everyone elected on its platform must stick with.
He said, “The Labour Party has a programme to implement when it gets into government. Regardless of who the party fields as its presidential candidate in 2027, the person will run with the programmes and policies of the party.
“I think it is too early to start talking about 2031 when we are still trying to sort out 2027. The LP has thrown its presidential ticket open. We don’t even know who will emerge as the candidate because there are so many people who have shown interest.
“As our former presidential candidate, we wish Obi well in his career, including his ambition to govern for one term. The politician in him has seen that it is the right thing to do, and if that is what he wants to do, we are fine.”
However, the rival caretaker faction of LP led by Senator Nenadi Usman endorsed the commitment, citing Obi’s record of principled leadership.
While defending the ex-governor, the spokesperson to Senator Usman’s faction, Ken Asogwa, backed Obi to turn the fortunes of the nation around in four years if given the opportunity.
He said, “Mr Peter Obi’s one-term promise is anchored in character and track record. He has consistently maintained that if it took this present administration just two years to plunge Nigeria into its current sorry state, then four years would be more than sufficient to begin the process of putting the country back on a sound and progressive trajectory.
“We understand that some Nigerians harbour legitimate fears – that the allure of office may eventually cause him to walk back on this solemn pledge, especially as such promises are not legally binding.
“However, when leaders make commitments, the public must turn to history and examine their past conduct. That is where true assurances lie – not in mere words, but in character and precedent.”
According to Asogwa, “As governor of Anambra State, Obi kept faith with the people. He governed in strict adherence to the constitution and the rule of law, so much so that he was impeached by the state House of Assembly for being uncompromising in his commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process. He challenged that impeachment in court, won, and was reinstated – a first in Nigerian political history.
“That singular act demonstrated the kind of leadership he represents: one rooted in principle, not convenience.
“As a political party, we do not doubt his integrity. We are confident that, if entrusted with the presidency, Mr Obi would honour his word and serve only one term, as he has repeatedly promised. History is filled with examples of principled leaders who chose to serve their people for just one term, even when a second was within reach.”
