Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has cautioned that the political realities of Nigeria may make it difficult for former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to honour his public pledge to serve only a single term if elected president in 2027.
Speaking in response to Obi’s repeated assurances that he would leave office after four years, Governor Sule said experience has shown that the weight of political alliances, vested interests, and the quest for sustained relevance often push leaders to reconsider earlier commitments.
Obi first made the one-term pledge in June 2025, stating that his decision was tied to possible coalition agreements and zoning arrangements within a proposed national unity government. He reiterated the commitment in August, insisting that a “sincere and focused leader” could deliver meaningful change in just four years. “It is not a political gimmick. My word is my bond,” Obi said during a media appearance.
However, Sule is not alone in his skepticism. Former House Minority Leader, Farouq Aliyu, has described Obi’s promise as “political rhetoric,” arguing that Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges demand more than idealistic timelines. A factional LP chieftain has also questioned Obi’s credibility, citing his past political moves, including his defection from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Governor Sule warned that the complexities of running a country as diverse and politically charged as Nigeria could alter even the best-intentioned plans. “Powerful forces will mount pressure, and it will be difficult to resist,” he said.
Political analysts note that while Obi’s stance represents a rare brand of restraint in Nigeria’s presidential politics, the real test will come if he wins and faces the entrenched political currents that have historically swayed leaders away from earlier vows.
With the 2027 race beginning to take shape, Obi’s single-term promise has become a focal talking point—one that could either reinforce his image as a principled reformer or serve as a yardstick by which opponents will measure his political resolve.
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