The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has said his vow to serve one term of four years, if elected President in 2027 is immutable. He made the statement via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday.
This is coming as Anambra State governor, Prof. Charles Soludo remarked recently that whoever said he will serve a one term of four years should be subjected to psychiatric evaluation.
Obi, took to his X handle to explicate and reiterate his vow of serving one tern of four years if elected in 2027 to occupy Aso Rock.
“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership. Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generations. In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as President of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer. His decision was a deliberate act of leadership, a statement that power must serve the people, not the self. Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it. Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service – however brief – that defines true statesmanship.
“It is within this context that I reiterate my vow: I will serve only one term of four years if elected President. And that vow is sacrosanct,” he wrote.
He said he understand Nigerians fear of political promises evidenced in past actions of politicians which had left little or no trust between the masses and political leaders.
He said, “I am fully aware that the decay in our society has made trust one of the scarcest and most sceptically viewed commodities. Many Nigerians, understandably, no longer take politicians at their word. But even in this climate of cynicism, there are still a few whose actions have matched their words – whose integrity is built on verifiable precedent.”
The former governor of Anambra State said he does not need to swore by a shrine as insinuated by Mr Soludo, however, if keeping to his words which speaks to his integrity given his antecedents in public office, makes him qualify for psychiatric evaluation then it speaks volume of those suggesting it. Obi believes that those suggesting psychiatrics evaluation based on his vow are only judging him based on their own lack of integrity.
“Recently, I became aware of two statements aimed, albeit indirectly, at my vow to serve only a single four-year term. One person remarked that even if I swore by a shrine, I still wouldn’t be believed. Another suggested that anyone talking about doing only one term should undergo psychiatric evaluation.
“I understand the basis of their scepticism. They are judging me by their own standards – where political promises are made to be broken. But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth. I have a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation.
“In my political life, my word is my bond. When I entered politics in Anambra State, I made clear and measurable promises to the people: to improve education and healthcare, to open up rural areas through road construction, and to manage public funds with prudence. I fulfilled each of those promises without deviation. I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable as a result of honouring my word.
“My vow to serve only one term of four years is a solemn commitment, rooted in my conviction that purposeful, transparent leadership does not require an eternity.
“If making such a promise qualifies me for psychiatric evaluation, then we may as well question the mental fitness of those who framed our Constitution, which clearly stipulates a four-year renewable tenure.”
The frontline opposition leader reiterated he stands by his vow, that four year single term is enough to make meaningful and impactful leadership in core areas that affect the everyday living and lives of majority of Nigerians.
He said: “I maintain without equivocation: 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.
“We must rebuild trust in our country. I have dedicated my public life to demonstrating that leadership with integrity is not a myth. I have done it before, and I do not intend to betray that trust under any circumstances.
“Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference. In that time, I intend not merely to make an impression, but to deliver on concrete promises to:
“sanitise our governance system;
tackle insecurity through effective and accountable use of national resources; prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation;
catalyse small businesses as engines of growth; and combat corruption with unflinching resolve.
“Above all, I will dedicate myself to transforming Nigeria from a consuming nation into a productive one, where agriculture, technology, and manufacturing replace rent-seeking and waste as our national anchors.
“These are not utopian dreams. They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years.”
