By Ihechi Enyinnaya
In a bold and unwavering declaration, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has restated his vow to serve only one term of four years if elected President of Nigeria. Drawing inspiration from historic global leaders like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, Obi emphasized that impactful leadership does not depend on longevity in office but on integrity, focus, and purpose.
Obi, who made the statement through a detailed release on Sunday, said his commitment is “sacrosanct” and rooted in the belief that transformational change can be achieved within a single term. “Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference,” he stated.
Referencing Mandela’s decision to step down after just one term despite overwhelming support to continue, Obi said, “Power must serve the people, not the self. Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service—however brief—that defines true statesmanship.”
The former Anambra State governor acknowledged growing public distrust in political promises and the ridicule his vow has attracted from critics, some of whom suggest such a stance indicates psychological instability.
“I understand the basis of their scepticism,” Obi said. “They are judging me by their own standards—where political promises are made to be broken. But Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth.”
Obi defended his integrity by pointing to his governance record in Anambra State, where he claims to have delivered on all his pledges without deviation. He cited improvements in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and fiscal discipline as proof of his commitment to results over rhetoric.
If elected, Obi promised to pursue a focused agenda over four years that includes: Sanitising the governance system, tackling insecurity with strategic resource use; revamping education and healthcare, empowering small businesses, fighting corruption head-on and transitioning Nigeria from a consumer economy to a productive one
“These are not utopian dreams,” he said. “They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years. A new Nigeria is POssible.”