Peter Obi’s One-Term Pitch Sparks Northern Uproar

Obi’s One-Term Presidency Promise Sparks Debate Among Northern Stakeholders

Peter Obi’s renewed commitment to serving only one term if elected president in 2027 has sparked intense reactions among Northern political voices, stirring fresh conversations around trust, zoning, and national unity ahead of the next general election.

Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate and a prominent figure in the emerging opposition coalition, reaffirmed over the weekend that his vow to serve a single four-year term remains “sacrosanct.”

“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,” he declared, emphasizing that political trust is rare in today’s climate, but he intends to remain a leader whose words align with actions.

Critics Question Motivation Behind the Promise

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However, political analysts and stakeholders, especially from Northern Nigeria, remain skeptical. Former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Anthony Sani, argued that Obi’s one-term pledge appears politically motivated rather than performance-based.

“His promise isn’t grounded in a desire for impact but rather in political convenience—especially to gain acceptance under the zoning arrangement, which suggests power should return to the North by 2031,” Sani said in a statement to DAILY POST.

He further suggested that, constitutionally, Obi is entitled to two terms like any other candidate and that any decision to seek re-election after 2027 would not be Obi’s alone, but one influenced by political coalitions and vested interests.

“Given the nature of politics as a group activity, the choice to contest again will not rest solely with Obi. Northerners, therefore, may find it hard to trust that he will step down after just one term,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed Urges Nigerians to Be More Critical Ahead of 2027

Also weighing in, former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, expressed concerns over the fluid nature of Nigerian politics.

“In this country, anything is possible. Politicians often break the rules,” he said, adding that Nigerians must become more discerning and press candidates for specific commitments regarding security, cost of living, and failing public services like education and healthcare.

Baba-Ahmed stressed that four years is sufficient for a visionary leader to implement meaningful reforms—provided they have the political will and a capable team.

“If you come into office with a clear plan and competent team, and focus more on delivering than holding onto power, four years is more than enough,” he said.

Political Trust and Zoning Take Center Stage

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Obi’s promise has reignited debate around power rotation, especially as President Bola Tinubu—who is also from the South—will have completed only one term by 2027. Some Northern stakeholders argue that allowing Obi, another Southern candidate, to contest with the potential for an additional term disrupts the zoning balance.

This perspective underlines the broader concern that Obi’s one-term offer may be a political strategy to ease fears and secure Northern support in 2027—rather than a binding commitment.

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, Obi’s statement has placed a spotlight on a crucial political question: Can any candidate’s promise of power-sharing be trusted—and will voters prioritize zoning or performance?