Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has declared his commitment to serving only one four-year term if elected president in 2027, saying he is prepared to back the promise with a legally binding affidavit.
Obi made the declaration during an extensive interview at an airport, where a brief conversation stretched beyond 30 minutes as he addressed key national issues, including security, the economy, electoral reforms, corruption, and Nigeria’s future.
Speaking on security, Obi described the protection of lives and property as the foremost responsibility of any government, stressing that Nigeria’s insecurity cannot be solved through military action alone.
According to him, the country must strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies, deploy modern technology, enhance the welfare of security personnel, and tackle poverty and unemployment, which he said often fuel criminality.
On the economy, Obi acknowledged that reforms are necessary but insisted they must be carefully designed and implemented with compassion.
He said Nigeria must transition from a consumption-driven economy to one anchored on production by investing heavily in agriculture, manufacturing, and small and medium-scale enterprises.
Defending his economic blueprint against critics who describe it as lacking detail, Obi said his philosophy remains simple: reduce the cost of governance, eliminate waste, block revenue leakages, encourage production, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Drawing a comparison with Bangladesh, Obi noted that despite having a much smaller landmass than Nigeria, the Asian nation produces significantly more rice.
He argued that Northern Nigeria possesses vast fertile land capable of transforming the region into Africa’s food basket if security improves and investments are made in modern farming, irrigation, rural infrastructure, financing, and market access.
“Agriculture should no longer be seen as subsistence farming,” he said. “It should become an export-driven sector capable of generating more foreign exchange than crude oil.”
Describing crude oil as a “diminishing asset,” Obi maintained that productive agricultural land could create sustainable wealth for generations.
Addressing questions about political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, Obi dismissed concerns over his movement across political parties, saying parties are merely vehicles for governance.
“What matters is bringing together competent and patriotic Nigerians committed to solving the country’s problems,” he said.
On speculation surrounding a possible one-term presidency, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to stepping down after four years.
“Yes, you can do a lot in four years. You can change Nigeria in four years. I am committed to serving a single term of four years,” he said.
He added that an agreement on the arrangement had already been reached and pledged to honour it.
“If necessary, I am prepared to sign further undertakings, including a legally binding affidavit before a competent court affirming my commitment to one term. This is bigger than Peter Obi. It is about national healing and unity.”
Obi said seeking support based on such an understanding and later reneging on it would amount to a betrayal of trust.
Responding to questions about persistent criticism and political attacks, Obi said resistance is inevitable for anyone seeking genuine change.
“Leadership is not about avoiding criticism. When you challenge a system, there will always be opposition. What matters is remaining focused, truthful, and committed to the people,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the electoral process despite widespread disillusionment.
According to him, the 2027 election would be a defining moment between citizens seeking a better future and those responsible for years of failed leadership.
“Nigerians must participate, protect their votes, and take ownership of their democracy,” he stated.
On electoral reforms, Obi called for strict adherence to electoral laws, the use of technology, and genuine institutional independence, while expressing disappointment over unresolved controversies surrounding electronic transmission of results during the 2023 general election.
He insisted that no unexplained technical failure should be used to undermine the will of the electorate.
Speaking on corruption, Obi argued that leadership integrity remains the most effective anti-corruption strategy.
“When a president or governor is personally not corrupt, corruption in that government is already reduced significantly. Leadership sets the tone,” he said, while advocating transparency, open procurement, and prudent management of public funds.
The former Anambra State governor also expressed concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, saying borrowing should be directed toward productive sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology rather than consumption.
On education and healthcare, Obi described both sectors as investments critical to national development, emphasizing that human capital remains Nigeria’s greatest asset.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain hopeful, insisting that the country’s challenges are rooted in poor leadership rather than a lack of potential.
“Our greatest resource is our people. What has held us back is leadership. If we get leadership right, every other challenge becomes easier to address. That is why I continue to say that a new Nigeria is possible,” Obi said.
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