Presidency Clashes With Obi Over One-Term Pledge

The Presidency has clashed with former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential aspirant under the platform of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, over a one-term pledge.

Obi, during an interview with News Central, reiterated his commitment to serving only one term of four years, even with a gun to his head if elected President in 2027

But the Presidency questioned the credibility of the former Labour Party presidential candidate, saying Nigerians should not trust his promise to serve only one term if elected President in 2027.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated this in a post on his X handle, accusing Obi of repeatedly abandoning political parties despite previous pledges of loyalty.

“If you believe Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term as president, you’ll believe anything,” Onanuga wrote.

The presidential aide said Obi, while in the All Progressives Grand Alliance, vowed never to leave the party that made him Governor of Anambra State.

According to him, Obi also pledged loyalty to the late APGA leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, before later leaving the party for the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Consider his record: while in APGA, he famously placed himself under a self-curse, vowing never to leave the party that made him Governor.

“He gave his word to the Ikemba, even on his deathbed, swearing loyalty and fidelity to APGA.

“Yet, Peter Obi’s pledges have always been short-lived. He ultimately abandoned APGA for the PDP, and since then, he has drifted from one political platform to another — a political rolling stone,” Onanuga wrote.

He added, “By his own actions, Peter Obi has shown that his word cannot be trusted. His promises are as fleeting as his political allegiances.”

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, left the PDP ahead of the 2023 presidential election and joined the Labour Party, under which he contested the Presidency.

He also left the Labour Party this Year and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Consequently, he left the ADC this month and joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress.

“I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day longer than four years, even with a gun to my head,” Obi said.

The former Governor also criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly rising borrowing levels and the increasing cost of living across the country.

According to him, Nigeria is currently passing through one of its most difficult periods economically and socially.

Obi came third in the 2023 presidential election, behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Tinubu, who emerged the winner.

Since joining the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in June 2025, Obi has consistently maintained that he would serve only one term if elected President.

During a Twitter Space hosted by Parallel Facts on 30 June 2025, Obi argued that any southern candidate elected President in 2027 should vacate office by 28 May 2031, in line with what he described as Nigeria’s unwritten power-sharing arrangement and zoning principle.

According to him, the rotational system between the northern and southern regions remains vital for national unity and political balance.

Obi said the principle was one he had always supported throughout his political career.

In a post shared on his official X account in August 2025, the former presidential candidate further defended his one-term position, arguing that impactful leadership is measured by achievements rather than longevity in office.

“One of the greatest American presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures. John F. Kennedy did not complete a full term, but his ideals still inspire,” Obi wrote.

“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.”

Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso reportedly left the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on 3 May.

Days later, on 9 May, the NDC announced that its presidential ticket for the 2027 election would be zoned to southern Nigeria, the region Obi comes from.

The member representing Ogbaru Constituency of Anambra State in the 10th National Assembly, Afam Victor Ogene, moved the motion for zoning of the ticket to the South at the party’s convention in Abuja, and it was seconded by Seyi Sowunmi, also a member of the National Assembly.