Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is facing backlash from the All Progressives Congress and a faction within his party after restating his commitment to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.
In a Sunday statement, Obi declared the vow “sacrosanct,” prompting criticism from APC representatives and mixed reactions from members of the Labour Party.
While the LP leadership under Abure dismissed the vow as political drama, the opposing caretaker group led by Senator Nenadi Usman supported it, citing Obi’s consistent leadership principles.
The APC labelled the promise as disingenuous and a strategy to attract voter support.
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, had earlier questioned Obi’s one-term pledge, stating any politician who makes such a claim should undergo psychiatric evaluation.
“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 during a rally in Anambra South.
He argued that the constitution allows for a renewable four-year term and criticized the logic of any leader limiting themselves voluntarily.
In response, Obi referred to leaders like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela to explain that impactful leadership is not dependent on time in office.
He reaffirmed that his intention to serve one term if elected is “sacrosanct.”
Obi said, “One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership. Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generations. In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as President of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer. 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.”
Obi stated, “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.”
He acknowledged the skepticism surrounding his promise but said it would not change his stance.
“Recently, I became aware of two statements aimed, albeit indirectly, at my vow to serve only a single four-year term. One person remarked that even if I swore by a shrine, I still wouldn’t be believed. Another suggested that anyone talking about doing only one term should undergo psychiatric evaluation. 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,” he said.
He stressed that four years was enough to achieve meaningful change with purposeful leadership, vowing to prioritize good governance, security, education, and economic development.
“Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference. These are not utopian dreams. They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years,” he maintained.
Speaking to The PUNCH, LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, noted that the party had a clear agenda and any 2027 candidate would be expected to follow its policies.
“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.”
Ken Asogwa, spokesperson for Senator Usman’s faction, said Obi could significantly improve Nigeria in four years.
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.”
He added, “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.”
APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, accused Obi of trying to deceive voters, saying his actions 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.”
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