LAGOS — The polity was astir yesterday over the persistent promise of former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, to do a term of four years and quit, if elected as Nigeria’s president in 2027.
Obi, who flew the flag of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 presidential poll and came a close third behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is not the only one making the one term pledge. Former Rivers State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have also made the promise but Obi has been re-emphasising the issue and cited foreign leaders who did a term and left indelible marks in the United States and Britain.
In line with the zoning principle between Northern and Southern Nigeria, there have been speculations that another Southerner succeeding President Tinubu would make South retain power for 12 years and harm power rotation to the North in 2031, if President Tinubu is not re-elected in 2027.
Dismissing these speculations, Obi, yesterday, said a true leader can turn Nigeria around in four years.
Stating that he is not desperate for power, the former Anambra governor said if elected he will not do more than one term of four years.
Obi’s promise is causing a stir in the polity and eliciting mixed reactions. While some agreed with him, some disagreed, saying he is desperate for power.
Those who spoke on the issue include Chairman of South-East Senate Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia), Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen (APC, Edo South), Chief Chekwas Okorie; Senator Dayo Adeyeye of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju, SWAGA; Dr. Ken Robinson, immediate past national publicity Secretary, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF; Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener, South South Reawakening Group; and National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh.
Award-winning novelist, Chimamanda Adichie; former senatorial candidate of the PDP in Ogun State, Biodun Sanya-Olu; Former Publicity Secretary PDP, South-West Ayo Fadaka; former SDP state chairman, Mr Stephen Adewale; and Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi among others also spoke on the matter.
I’m not desperate for power – Obi
Re-iterating the issue, yesterday, Obi insisted that a true leader can, with sincerity of purpose, turn Nigeria’s fortunes around for the better in four years.
He argued that if service is the motive for a person seeking public office it was possible to make it happen.
Obi said this in response to the verbal attacks and criticisms trailing his declaration that he would spend only one term of four years in office, if elected president in 2027.
In a post on his X handle, he said: “I still find it baffling that my decision to do a term of four years, if given the mandate to rule this country, is generating so much agitation. By this feeling, we are doubting the fact that a sincere leader can achieve much in 48 months.
“I have never been desperate in the pursuit of power, or anything else, for that matter. There are some traits associated with desperation, which in no way are in any of my political behaviours in the past and now, like engaging in overly aggressive rhetoric or actions to prove a point or gain attention; becoming overly defensive or reactive to criticism, often to the point of appearing paranoid.
“Making unrealistic or unfulfillable promises to win support or approval, resorting to personal attacks or character assassination to discredit opponents or frequently changing positions or policies to suit immediate political needs.
“What drives me is not personal ambition, but a deep, commitment to see Nigeria work. And if the sacrifice required of me is four years of sincere, accountable leadership, so be it.
“Throughout my political journey, I have never been involved in thuggery, the snatching of ballot boxes, or any form of electoral malpractice.
“I challenge anyone: conduct your investigations. You will find no stains of rigging or violence associated with my name. I have always chosen the path of peace, principle, and civility.
“Ask those who have contested against me—none were ever denied their rights, framed, or falsely accused.
“None was asked to place their advert materials or break the bank to do so. I believe in fair competition, not manufactured victories.
“In four years, we can confront corruption head-on, redirecting resources to priority areas. For instance, the trillions used to acquire new presidential jets and other unnecessary expenses at this time could have been channelled into education, healthcare, or infrastructure.
“Within the same period, we ensure that the rule is sacrosanct and the rule of law is strictly followed. Within the same period, we can conduct free, fair and credible elections “Leadership, to me, is not about entitlement.
It is about service. If given the mandate, for just one term, I will dedicate every moment to building a Nigeria that works for all.”
It smacks of desperation — Okorie
The founder/first National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said Obi’s pledge is a sign of desperation.
Okorie noted that although Obi has said repeatedly that he isn’t desperate for power, his four-year single term pledge paints a different picture in the minds of many Nigerians.
In a telephone interview with Vanguard, in Abuja, Okorie said: “Everybody knows how much power can intoxicate the holder. If Obi or Atiku can walk into power from their bedrooms then they can also walk out on their own free will.
“But getting into office with the support and help of people — some of who can exert pressure will make it impossible for such promises to be kept. We have seen this before. This is what happened to President Goodluck Jonathan who it was said made a similar promise to the North in 2011.
“If you also remember, President Obasanjo who wasn’t even sure when he will get out of prison, got out, became president for the first term, started a second one and started plotting for a third before Nigerians stopped him.
“It is when people get into office that you will begin to hear those around them say ‘any agreement or law which is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution is to the extent of its inconsistency, null, void and of no effect.
“Without a doubt in my mind, Obi is a gentleman and refined unfortunately political power at the highest level in Nigeria is a different kettle of fish altogether.”