Former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has declared that a single four-year term is adequate for any determined and sincere leader to bring meaningful change to the country.
In remarks shared on Monday by his media spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar, Obi argued that if past administrations have managed to harm the nation’s progress within two years, then a committed leader should equally be able to steer the country towards recovery within four.
“One term is enough to prove that good governance is achievable,” Obi stated. “I don’t need a day beyond four years to demonstrate what can be done. In just two years, we can change the country’s direction for the better.”
He further noted that a single-term presidency in the 2027 elections would also honour the informal zoning arrangement, which, while unwritten, has helped maintain political balance across Nigeria.
Confirming his intention to contest for the presidency again in 2027, Obi said, “I am going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it.”
Addressing speculation over whether he might instead accept a vice-presidential role alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi dismissed the rumours, saying: “Nobody has ever discussed that with me. People just assume many things.”
Obi also clarified that despite backing a coalition that adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC), he has not left the Labour Party.
Discussing the importance of coalition-building with figures linked to previous administrations, Obi argued that their insights, drawn from both failures and successes, could help avoid repeating past mistakes.
“It’s critical experience,” he said. “Even major global firms hire people who have failed before because they understand why things collapse. I need everyone’s experience to make sure the system works.”