Obi added that those skeptical of his one-term pledge are judging him by their standards.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reiterated his commitment to serving one term of four years if elected president in 2027, describing the promise as “sacrosanct” and anchored on his vision of impactful, accountable leadership.
He made this known in a statement he posted on his official Facebook page on Sunday.
TheNiche had earlier reported that Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, criticised politicians who campaign on promises to serve only a single term in office.
Speaking at a political rally in Anambra South on Saturday to promote his second-term bid, the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor said any political figure making such a commitment should undergo mental health assessment.
“How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? Do you think you’re speaking to fools?
“You come to people and say you will do only one term, any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home because the person must have some mental problem,” Soludo said
Reacting to the comments, Obi, who earlier said he is open to a one-term presidency, dismissed scepticism surrounding his one-term pledge, insisting that transformative leadership does not require prolonged occupation of office, but rather focus, integrity, and the political will to deliver real change.
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Referencing leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, he added that history had proven that greatness in leadership is not measured by the length of time in power, but by the quality and purpose of service rendered.
“Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service — however brief — that defines true statesmanship,” Obi wrote.
“My vow to serve only one term of four years if elected President is sacrosanct.” he further said.
While acknowledging Nigerians’ cynicism towards political promises, the former Anambra State governor noted that those skeptical of his one-term pledge are judging him by their standards.
“I understand the basis of their scepticism. They are judging me by their own standards – where political promises are made to be broken.
“But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth. I have a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation.
“My vow to serve only one term of four years is a solemn commitment, rooted in my conviction that purposeful, transparent leadership does not require an eternity.”
