Obi, in a statement posted on his official X handle on Saturday, August 3, 2025, reaffirmed that his promise to lead the nation for just four years remains “sacrosanct,” citing global leaders like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela as models of servant leadership.
“I have said it before, and I will say it again — I will serve only one term of four years as president. That is not a political strategy but a solemn vow. Like Lincoln, Mandela, and Kennedy, I believe leadership is not about how long, but how well,” Obi stated.
According to him, the single-term pledge is a demonstration of integrity and his willingness to prioritize the country’s unity and stability over personal political ambition.
Obi emphasized that he would hand over power by May 28, 2031, stressing that his administration, if elected, will be focused on delivering results and restoring Nigerians’ trust in government.
The former Anambra State governor also aligned his position with Nigeria’s unwritten zoning agreement, which supports rotational power between the North and South.
However, the pledge has stirred mixed reactions in political circles. While some commend Obi’s promise as a bold show of statesmanship, others question the sincerity and feasibility of such a commitment.
Yabagi Sani, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), expressed skepticism, stating, “It’s hard to believe such promises in Nigerian politics. History shows that absolute power often corrupts.”
Despite the criticisms, Obi insists his resolve is unshakable, urging Nigerians to hold him accountable should he go back on his word.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Peter Obi’s one-term vow has already begun to shape political discourse, raising critical questions about leadership, integrity, and the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.