Samuel Omang
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to serving only a single four-year term if elected President of Nigeria, insisting that true leadership is measured by impact, not tenure.
In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Obi referenced iconic global figures—Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela—who served short terms yet left enduring legacies.
“Abraham Lincoln served only four years, John F. Kennedy didn’t complete a full term, and Mandela resisted calls to continue beyond one term,” Obi wrote. “Their decision to lead with purpose over power speaks volumes about principled leadership.”
Obi emphasized that in many parts of Africa, extended time in office often leads to corruption, stating that longevity is not synonymous with success. He reiterated: “Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference. I do not intend to stay a day longer.”
He addressed sceptics who question the sincerity of his vow, stating, “They judge me by their own standards, but Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth.”
Drawing from his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, Obi asserted that he kept his promises and implemented reforms without deviation. He said his proposed presidential agenda would focus on cleaning up governance and restoring public trust, combatting insecurity through efficient resource deployment, transforming Nigeria’s economy via agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, expanding access to quality education and healthcare, and empowering small businesses for inclusive growth.
“These are not utopian dreams,” he said, “but achievable goals within four years.”
Obi concluded by describing his pledge as a solemn commitment: “I will not exceed one term under any circumstance. It is a promise rooted in conviction, not political strategy.”
The statement has reignited public discourse on leadership accountability, with many calling for a shift away from the tradition of prolonged presidential tenures in Nigeria.