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Amid mounting public scepticism over his promise to serve only a single term if elected Nigeria’s president in 2027, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has doubled down on his vow, describing it as “sacrosanct” and a solemn commitment rooted in principle, integrity, and history.

In a personal statement released via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday and circulated through a press release signed by Ibrahim Umar, spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the former Anambra State Governor said his intention to serve a single four-year term is not political gimmickry but a deliberate act of 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,” Obi stated.

Drawing from the examples of revered global leaders who served briefly yet left indelible legacies, Obi cited American Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, as well as South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, as models of purposeful leadership.

“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership,” Obi wrote.
“Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term… His decision was a deliberate act of leadership, a statement that power must serve the people, not the self.”

Obi argued that longevity in office, especially in Africa, often correlates with a drift toward corruption and abuse of power. He insisted that “purposeful, accountable service — however brief — defines true statesmanship.”

Sceptics Judging by Broken Standards

Responding to cynics who have questioned his sincerity, Obi acknowledged the deep-rooted public distrust towards politicians but reminded Nigerians of his consistent, verifiable record.

“I understand the basis of their scepticism. They are judging me by their own standards — where political promises are made to be broken,” he said.
“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.”

He responded directly to two comments aimed at discrediting his vow: one saying he wouldn’t be believed even if he swore by a shrine, and another suggesting he needed psychiatric evaluation.

“I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable as a result of honouring my word,” Obi quipped.
“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.”

“My Word is My Bond”

Obi restated his well-known governance record in Anambra State, where he claimed to have fulfilled his campaign promises across education, healthcare, infrastructure, and financial prudence without deviation.

“In my political life, my word is my bond,” he asserted.

He further argued that 48 months is sufficient time for any prepared and sincere leader to bring about tangible transformation.

“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.”

His Four-Year Agenda

If elected, Obi outlined a focused set of priorities for his one-term Presidency, including sanitising governance through institutional reforms and fiscal discipline, tackling insecurity with efficient use of resources and community policing, and revamping education and healthcare to meet international standards.

Other priorities include combating poverty through grassroots empowerment, supporting small businesses as engines of job creation, fighting corruption with resolve and transparency, and transforming Nigeria’s economy from consumption-driven to production-focused, with investments in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.

He described these targets not as “utopian dreams,” but as “realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years.”

“Above all, I will dedicate myself to transforming Nigeria from a consuming nation into a productive one… A new Nigeria is POssible,” he declared.

As 2027 draws nearer, Peter Obi’s persistent one-term pledge continues to set him apart in a political landscape marked by broken promises and self-perpetuation. Whether Nigerians will take him at his word remains to be seen—but for Obi, the promise is non-negotiable.

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