Peter Obi Claps Back at Soludo Over Four-Year Presidency Remark

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has restated his vow to serve only one term of four years if elected President in 2027.

Obi made this pledge in a lengthy statement on Sunday, August 3, via his X formerly Twitter, stressing that leadership must be about integrity, not longevity in power.

His remarks come against the backdrop of a controversial jab from Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, who once said any politician promising to serve only one term needs psychiatric evaluation.

“I will serve only one term of four years if elected President. And that vow is sacrosanct,” Obi declared, in a clear defiance of Soludo’s earlier comment.

Referencing notable world leaders like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, Obi said these men left lasting legacies despite spending a short time in office.

“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures.

Nelson Mandela chose to serve only one term despite overwhelming public pressure to continue.

His decision was a statement that power must serve the people, not the self,” Obi wrote.

Obi criticised the tendency of African leaders to cling to power, warning that prolonged tenure often leads to corruption.

“Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service however brief   that defines true statesmanship,” he said.

He stated that his one-term promise is rooted in principle, not political gimmickry. “I am fully aware that the decay in our society has made trust one of the scarcest commodities.

Many Nigerians understandably no longer take politicians at their word. But in my political life, my word is my bond.”

Responding to those who question his mental fitness for making such a commitment  a not-so-subtle reference to Soludo’s previous jab  Obi said, “If making such a promise qualifies me for psychiatric evaluation, then we may as well question the mental fitness of those who framed our Constitution, which clearly stipulates a four-year renewable tenure.”

Obi pointed to his record in Anambra, saying he fulfilled every promise he made to the people.

“I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable for honouring my word,” he quipped.

The former governor argued that 48 months is more than enough for any focused leader to make a meaningful difference.

“Service should be impactful, not eternal. We must rebuild trust in our country,” he concluded.

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