The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has stirred controversy following his renewed commitment to serve only one term if elected president in 2027. In a statement released on Sunday, Obi reaffirmed that his one-term promise was “sacrosanct,” a declaration that has drawn mixed reactions from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and factions within his own party.
While the Labour Party’s leadership under Julius Abure dismissed Obi’s vow as political posturing, the caretaker faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman welcomed the pledge, citing Obi’s record of principled governance. The APC, however, rejected the promise as disingenuous, describing it as a strategic move to gain electoral advantage.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, also weighed in, harshly criticizing the one-term proposal. Speaking at a political rally in Anambra South, Soludo questioned the mental soundness of any politician who would voluntarily limit themselves to a single term.
“Any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home,” he said. “How can anybody with a functioning brain make such a promise? The Constitution allows for a renewable four-year term. Why would anyone give that up?”
In his response, Obi remained undeterred. Citing global examples of impactful short-term leadership, he defended his position by invoking the legacies of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela.
“Abraham Lincoln served just one term, yet his legacy endures. JFK didn’t complete his term but left a lasting vision. Nelson Mandela, despite immense pressure, chose to serve only one term in South Africa,” Obi stated. “History shows that many African leaders grow corrupt with prolonged tenure. It’s not about how long one stays in office, but the quality of leadership.”
The former Anambra governor emphasized that his vow was not a campaign gimmick, but a solemn personal commitment. He insisted that purposeful leadership can be achieved within four years, highlighting his agenda to address insecurity, reform education, and rebuild the economy.
“Forty-eight months is enough for any focused leader to make a meaningful impact. These are not lofty dreams, but actionable goals that can be delivered in four years,” he said.
Obi also responded to critics without directly naming anyone, suggesting that their cynicism stemmed from a culture of broken political promises.
“I’ve heard the comments someone said even swearing by a shrine wouldn’t make me believable, and another called for psychiatric evaluation. But I’m not cut from the same cloth as those who make promises just to break them. My record speaks for itself.”
From within the Labour Party, reactions remain divided. National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh clarified that the party operates on a set programme that all candidates must follow, regardless of their personal pledges.
“The Labour Party has not yet selected its 2027 presidential candidate. Whoever emerges will be bound by the party’s programmes. While we respect Obi and his ambition, it is premature to discuss 2031 when 2027 is still being organized,” Ifoh said.
In contrast, Ken Asogwa, spokesperson for the Usman-led faction, expressed strong support for Obi’s pledge, calling it a reflection of his character and history.
“If it took the current administration two years to cause significant damage, then four years is enough for Obi to initiate a turnaround,” Asogwa said. “He has a track record of integrity. As governor of Anambra, he was impeached for insisting on transparency, won in court, and was reinstated a first in Nigeria’s history.”
He added that the public should judge leaders not by empty promises but by their history and consistency in upholding values.
Meanwhile, the APC maintains that Obi’s statement is politically motivated. Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the pledge as a tactic to manipulate public perception.
“Obi is playing to the gallery. He’s not sincere. He’s using this one-term idea to gain sympathy or win over potential coalition partners,” Ibrahim said. “There’s no guarantee he’ll keep that promise. It’s simply a desperate attempt to return to relevance.”
He further claimed that the APC administration is focused on delivering real governance and reform, adding, “We are beginning to see results. Obi’s theatrics won’t change that.”
