03/08/2025
My One-Term, Four-Year Vow Is Sacrosanct
Mr. Peter Obi replies Charles Chukwuma Soludo , others
The candidate of the Labour party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has reiterated his resolve to serve for one term, if elected as Nigeria's president in 2027.
Obi, who made the clarification on his social media handle retorted that some of the world's greatest leaders had just a tenure in office.
"One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership, Peter Obi wrote.
"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, Obi added.
According to the former Anambra Governor, Nelson Mandela's decision to serve just a tenure was a deliberate act of leadership. "A statement that power must serve the people, not the self, Obi stated.
The ace business man pointed out that it is historically evident that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it.
In his assertion , "longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service - however brief - that defines true statesmanship."
"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, Obi informed.
Writing further, Peter Obi said that he was fully aware that the decay in our society has made trust one of the scarcest and most sceptically viewed commodities. He said that many Nigerians, understandably, no longer take politicians at their word.
The 2017 presidential hopeful retorted that those who are judging him are doing so by their own standards - where political promises are made to be broken.
Obi said that they forget he is not cut from that cloth.
" I have a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation," Obi wrote.
"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," he buttressed.
"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," Obi submitted.
Going forward, Obi remarked that forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference.
