Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his pledge to serve only one term of four years if elected President of Nigeria, insisting that effective leadership is not about tenure length but about delivering meaningful change within a set period.
Obi’s reiteration came in response to sharp criticism from the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who mocked the pledge during a political rally in Anambra South on Saturday.
Soludo, seeking support for his own second-term ambition, condemned politicians who make such promises, calling them irrational.
“Any politician who says he will serve only one term needs a psychiatric evaluation,” Soludo declared at the rally. “How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? You come to people and say you’ll do only one term—such a person must have some mental problem.”
Responding via a statement on Sunday, Obi stood his ground, describing his one-term promise as a deliberate, values-driven decision rooted in accountability and global leadership principles.
“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy lives on. Nelson Mandela, though immensely popular, chose to serve a single term. Leadership is not about how long you serve but what you do with the time given,” Obi stated.
He dismissed claims that his vow was politically naive or deceptive, noting that his governance model has always been anchored on transparency and measurable outcomes.
READ ALSO: SAGLEV reaffirms commitment to electric mobility in Nigeria, seeks govt support
“In a country where public trust is fading, my pledge is not political theatre. It’s a sincere promise that speaks to the urgency of Nigeria’s needs and the time-bound nature of results-driven leadership,” Obi said.
Citing his tenure as Anambra State governor, Obi highlighted achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility, asserting that he delivered on his promises without making excuses or seeking extended time in office.
“I have never relied on rituals or propaganda to earn trust. My political journey is built on service, prudence, and measurable performance. If I say I’ll serve only four years, I mean it. That vow is sacrosanct,” he said.
Obi also challenged the logic behind questioning his pledge when the Nigerian Constitution itself stipulates a four-year presidential term, with the possibility—but not the obligation—of renewal.
“If someone believes that a four-year term isn’t enough to deliver real progress, then they are questioning the very foundation of our Constitution,” he said. “Forty-eight months is more than enough for a prepared, purposeful leader.”
Outlining his priorities if elected, Obi promised to reform governance, strengthen education and healthcare, tackle insecurity and corruption, and transform Nigeria’s economy from consumption to production through support for agriculture, technology, and small businesses.
“These are practical goals that can be achieved within one term. I have done it before in Anambra, and I will not betray the trust of Nigerians,” he concluded.