Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour party, LP has, again assured Nigerians that he will only be in office for four years if elected as President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.
The former presidential candidate gave the assurance on Sunday in a statement, saying he will adhere to his promise not to spent more than a term in office.
The former Anambra state governor spoke after not a few Nigerians mocked him for making such comment, regarded by his opponents as false.
For instance, the governor of his state, Anambra Charles Soludo took a veiled attack on him over the remark, saying any politicians who makes such promises should have his brain examined.
“How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? Do you think you’re speaking to fools? You come before people and declare, ‘I will only serve one term.
“Any politician who says that should be taken to a psychiatric hospital. Something must be wrong with the person,” Soludo said
According to the law guiding election in the country, the president can seek a second term in office, after completing his first four year term, making it a maximum of eight years.
Obi’s remark comes after opponents he might distort the power rotation arrangement between the south and north, as power is expected to return to the North in 2031.
But, the former governor said many Nigerians do not trust politicians in the country, that’s why they took what eh said for granted.
He stressed that he’s different from other politicians, calling on those who doubt him to consider his tract record as a trustworthy person.
He also cited some iconic world leaders, including Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, John Kennedy, amongst others, whose tenure in office, but made serious impacts in the lives of their people, adding that he’s in the public service for public good, rather than for selfish, pecuniary reasons.
Obi: “My One-Term, Four-Year Vow Is Sacrosanct,” as he referenced iconic global figures whose brief leadership tenures left lasting legacies.
“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.
“I am fully aware that the decay in our society has made trust one of the scarcest and most sceptically viewed commodities. Many Nigerians, understandably, no longer take politicians at their word. But even in this climate of cynicism, there are still a few whose actions have matched their words – whose integrity is built on verifiable precedent.
“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.
“My vow to serve only one term of four years is a solemn commitment, rooted in my 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,” he stated.
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