Hauwa Ali
At a campaign event in Awka recently, former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, reiterated a pledge unusual in Nigerian politics: if elected president in 2027, he will serve only a single four-year term.
“Four years is enough to lay a foundation that will outlive us all,” Obi told the assembled crowd, repeating a commitment first made earlier this year when he declared his candidacy. The pledge, he said, would allow him to pursue difficult reforms without the political distraction of a re-election campaign.
The proposal, however, has generated debate among political observers, civil society groups, and the electorate. Some view it as a signal of seriousness and integrity; others see it as a strategic miscalculation in a political environment where consensus-building and institutional change are often slow.
Obi’s campaign platform is anchored on five reform priorities: Electoral integrity, anti-corruption measures, restructuring of the federation, women and youth inclusion, and fiscal transparency.
Obi’s emphasis on electoral reform is rooted in his experience in the 2023 election, in which he finished third behind Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar. His party contested the results, citing allegations of voter intimidation, logistical failures, and irregularities in collation, but the Supreme Court upheld Tinubu’s victory.
If elected, Obi says he will introduce digitised voter registration, biometric verification at polling units, and real-time publication of results on an official portal.
Samson Itodo, executive director of YIAGA Africa, says the proposals could address some vulnerabilities but warns that “technology is not a silver bullet. Without political will and enforcement, the system can still be compromised.”
In Lagos, trader Ifeanyi Nweke expressed scepticism: “They stole his votes last time. If he becomes president, they will try to steal again, from others if not from him. He must make it impossible.”
Obi has pledged to publish all federal contracts and expenditures in a publicly accessible online database and to grant the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) full prosecutorial independence from the presidency.
Political science student Musa Ibrahim described this as Obi’s “most dangerous fight,” predicting pushback from entrenched interests.
Some opposition figures dismiss the plan as superficial. According to them, publishing contracts does not stop corruption; the real fraud happens far below the headline figures.
However, supporters argue that transparency would be a meaningful first step. “Before, the money just disappeared,” said Port Harcourt resident Grace Nwoko. “At least if we can see it, we can ask questions.”
Obi supports devolving greater powers to state governments, including control over policing, taxation, and local resources. Advocates argue such changes would promote efficiency and accountability, but critics warn they could deepen inequality among states.
“This is not a technical adjustment; it is a political earthquake,” said Abuja-based analyst Aisha Sule. “Building the consensus to achieve it within one term will be extremely difficult.”
Obi has pledged that his cabinet will comprise at least 40% women and 40% persons under the age of 45, alongside the creation of a ₦50 billion youth entrepreneurship fund.
Tech entrepreneur Hauwa Bello welcomed the pledge but stressed the need for genuine empowerment: “Appointments must come with decision-making authority, not just photo opportunities.”
Fatima Yusuf, a primary school teacher, said visible representation could shift cultural expectations: “Our girls need to see women in leadership roles making real decisions.”
Labour Party insiders say the campaign is identifying professionals outside the traditional political class for possible appointments.
Obi’s fiscal plan includes a monthly “State of the Treasury” briefing to disclose revenues, expenditures, and debt levels, with opportunities for citizen questions. Economists, however, note that transparency will not address underlying fiscal vulnerabilities, including volatile oil revenues, a narrow tax base, and high debt servicing costs.
Supporters argue that limiting himself to one term will allow Obi to make politically unpopular decisions without fear of electoral backlash.
“It means he can focus on reforms instead of campaigning in his final year,” said Chidi Anozie of the Clean Governance Coalition.
Critics contend that four years is insufficient to implement deep structural reforms. “One term means starting the house but leaving the roof undone.”
Others warn that such a pledge could weaken Obi’s influence early in his presidency, as political actors begin to position themselves for the next election cycle.
In Lagos’ Ojuelegba district, street vendor Chika Nwosu expressed impatience with political timelines: “We don’t care if it’s four years or forty. Just fix the country.”
Jonah Adamu, a retired teacher was more cautious: “Nigeria is a big tree. You cannot grow it in one rainy season.”
David Ebiye said the one-term pledge could be advantageous: “If he doesn’t need to beg for votes, maybe he will finally do something for people in the creeks.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, elected in 2023, has been endorsed by the APC for re-election. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is considering another run. Other potential contenders are emerging, particularly in the north, where political alliances are being quietly forged.
For Obi, the challenge is persuading voters that substantial progress on his five priorities is achievable in four years, and convincing political elites to support a reformist presidency with a fixed end date.
Given Nigeria’s slow-moving political processes, the feasibility of implementing electoral, governance, and fiscal reforms within one term remains uncertain. Yet, Obi’s campaign is betting that the clarity of his pledge will resonate with voters weary of open-ended political ambition.
Whether this strategy proves a masterstroke or a liability will depend on his ability to navigate entrenched political interests, mobilise public support, and deliver measurable results if elected.