I’ll Serve One Term if Elected President, Leadership Doesn’t Require Eternity – Obi

Ahead of the 2027 elections, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has reiterated that he will serve a term of four years if elected President by Nigerians, asserting that leadership does not require an eternity.

Obi reaffirmed his stance in a statement on Sunday, emphasising that he is different from other politicians while pledging that his vow is sacrosanct.

“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. I am fully aware that the decay in our society has made trust one of the scarcest and most sceptically viewed commodities,” he stated.

He acknowledged that many Nigerians no longer take politicians at their word, noting that even in this climate of cynicism, there are still a few whose actions have matched their words and whose integrity is built on verifiable precedent.

The politician continued: “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.”

He mentioned that his vow to serve only one term of four years is a solemn commitment, rooted in his 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. 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.”

The former Anambra State Governor urged Nigerian politicians to rebuild trust in the country, revealing that he has dedicated his 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,” he assured.

Obi highlighted the concrete promises he will deliver on, including sanitising the governance system; tackling insecurity through effective and accountable use of national resources; prioritising education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation; catalysing small businesses as engines of growth; and combating corruption with unflinching resolve.

He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Nigeria from a consuming nation into a productive one, where agriculture, technology, and manufacturing replace rent-seeking and waste as national anchors.

He further stated that his promises are not utopian dreams but realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years.

Thelensng