Peter Obi Reaffirms One-Term Pledge, Says Integrity Sets Him Apart

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has reiterated his commitment to serve only one term if elected president, saying he is unlike typical Nigerian politicians who issue promises they do not intend to keep.

In a statement on Sunday, Obi acknowledged Nigerians’ scepticism towards political pledges due to past experiences with leaders, but maintained that his own political life has always been anchored on integrity and accountability.

“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,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor insisted that four years is sufficient to deliver effective leadership, referencing figures such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela who made profound impacts during relatively short tenures.

“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 said.

Obi described his promise as a deliberate stance against the widespread practice of African leaders clinging to power. He recalled his legacy in Anambra, highlighting improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and prudent fiscal management during his time in office.

“In my political life, my word is my bond,” he said. “When I entered politics in Anambra State, I made clear and measurable promises to the people… I fulfilled each of those promises without deviation.”

Responding to recent suggestions that anyone who vows to serve a single term requires psychiatric evaluation, Obi contended that such remarks expose the degeneracy of Nigeria’s political culture, rather than casting doubt on his own intentions.

“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,” he said.

Obi outlined his priorities if elected, including tackling insecurity, strengthening education and healthcare, promoting small businesses, fighting corruption, and shifting Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to a production-driven one.

“These are not utopian dreams. They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years. A new Nigeria is POssible,” he said.