Obi vows to serve only one term if elected; Presidency dismisses pledge

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has declared that he would not remain in office beyond four years if elected Nigeria’s president.

Speaking in a preview clip from an interview with News Central TV, Obi said he was committed to serving only one term.

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

The full interview with Kayode Akintemi is expected to air later today, with a repeat scheduled for Friday.

During the interview, Obi said Nigeria needed leadership focused on wealth creation and accused the ruling party of compromising the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He also criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over economic management, insecurity and food policies.

“It’s only two years that someone used to borrow more than all the previous governments put together. It’s only two years that Nigeria has been the hungriest country in the world,” Obi said.

Referring to insecurity, he added: “A president of Nigeria can stay in Abuja, and 200 people die in Jos or in Niger or Benue, and you’re still sitting here.”

The former governor also faulted the government’s response to agricultural challenges, arguing that increased food imports had negatively affected local farmers.

“Look at what happened to us with our farmers. Instead of intervening when there was a crisis, we went to import food and killed all the farmers,” he stated.

In response, the Presidency questioned Obi’s credibility, saying his political track record undermined confidence in his promises.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Obi had previously pledged loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance before later leaving the party.

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

He accused Obi of moving across different political platforms over the years and described him as “a political rolling stone.”

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

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