The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to serve only a single four-year term if elected president in 2027.
Obi made this declaration in a detailed post via his X handle on Sunday, appearing to respond to a recent mockery by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
At a public event, Soludo had sarcastically questioned the sanity of any politician who vows to serve just one term despite the constitutional right to seek two.
In his response, Obi referenced global leaders known for short but impactful tenures, including Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela. He noted that Mandela’s choice to serve a single term in South Africa set a powerful precedent that “power must serve the people, not the self.”
> “Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service, however brief, that defines true statesmanship,” Obi wrote.
Addressing critics who have mocked his vow — with one allegedly suggesting that even swearing in a shrine wouldn’t make him believable — Obi said such cynicism stems from the political culture of broken promises in Nigeria.
“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 insisted.
“In my political life, my word is my bond. I have a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation.”
He cited his time as Governor of Anambra State, claiming to have fulfilled promises in education, infrastructure, and prudent financial management without deviation.
Obi stressed that 48 months are enough for a determined leader to make a meaningful impact, listing his priorities as fighting corruption, revamping education and healthcare, promoting small businesses, and transitioning Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based one.
“These are not utopian dreams. They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years. A new Nigeria is POssible,” he said.
Still Labour, but Engaged with ADC Coalition
Meanwhile, speculation continues about Obi’s political affiliation amid his involvement with the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition. A top ADC source told Vanguard that although Obi has not formally defected from the Labour Party, he remains actively involved in the coalition’s activities.
The ADC, along with other opposition leaders including former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has granted Obi a “special waiver” that allows him to participate in coalition affairs without formally leaving his party.
“He hasn’t officially joined the ADC as a card-carrying member,” the source said.
“This arrangement allows him to still support LP candidates in elections like the upcoming Anambra governorship race, while also helping build a united opposition through the ADC-led platform.”
According to the source, after crucial elections are concluded, the coalition leaders will reassess their strategies and possibly consider realignments or formal party mergers.
As 2027 approaches, Obi’s one-term pledge and active role in cross-party alliances may prove central to shaping the opposition’s strategy in what is already shaping up to be a pivotal election year.
Via: Vanguard
