Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to serve only a single four-year term if elected President of Nigeria. In a strongly worded statement released via his official page, Obi described the vow as “sacrosanct,” emphasizing that purposeful and accountable leadership should not require extended tenure in office.
Referencing iconic global leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, Obi drew parallels between their limited time in office and the enduring impact of their leadership. He lauded Mandela’s decision to serve only one term despite public pressure to remain, calling it a deliberate act of principled governance that prioritized service over power.
“Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service, however brief that defines true statesmanship,” Obi asserted.
The presidential hopeful acknowledged the widespread public distrust in political promises, noting that many Nigerians have grown sceptical due to years of unfulfilled pledges by those in power.
“Trust has become one of the scarcest and most sceptically viewed commodities in our society,” he said. “But even in this climate of cynicism, there are still a few whose actions have matched their words.”
Obi responded to recent criticisms suggesting that his single-term promise was either unrealistic or disingenuous. One critic implied that even swearing by a shrine wouldn’t make such a vow believable, while another questioned his mental fitness for proposing it.
“They are judging me by their own standards where political promises are made to be broken,” Obi said. “But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth.”
He defended his track record in Anambra State, pointing to measurable improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility during his tenure as governor. According to Obi, these accomplishments were achieved without dramatic pronouncements or symbolic gestures, but through “honouring his word.”
“I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable as a result of honouring my word,” he quipped.
Reiterating his commitment, Obi stated unequivocally:
“If elected, I will not spend a day longer than four years in office. In fact, I believe that service should be impactful, not eternal.”
He laid out specific goals he intends to achieve within the single term, including:
- Restoring integrity and transparency in governance
- Addressing insecurity through accountable national resource management
- Prioritizing education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation
- Supporting small businesses as engines of growth
- Combating corruption with unwavering resolve
- Transforming Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to a productive one driven by agriculture, technology, and manufacturing
“These are not utopian dreams,” Obi emphasized. “They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years.”
He concluded with a hopeful message:
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
The Labour Party candidate’s statement comes amid growing public interest in leadership renewal and institutional reforms ahead of the next election cycle.
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