Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has once again shared his thoughts on leadership and governance in Nigeria, stating emphatically that a single four-year term is more than sufficient for any dedicated and sincere leader to create a significant and lasting impact in the country. Obi, who has become known for his consistent advocacy for good governance and accountability, made this declaration through his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, during a media interaction held in Abuja on Monday.
According to Obi, true leadership does not rely on holding power indefinitely, but rather on a genuine commitment to implementing meaningful reforms and impactful projects that benefit the general populace. He argued that if bad leaders can inflict damage and worsen the country's condition in just a few years, then it is logical to expect that a leader with integrity and vision should be able to start setting things right within a similar period.
“One term is enough to show that good governance is possible. If bad leaders can damage the country in just two years, why can’t a serious leader fix things within four?” Obi questioned pointedly, challenging the status quo and calling for a new mindset among Nigerian politicians and voters alike.
Furthermore, Obi emphasized that limiting himself to one term would also respect and support the principle of zoning, a power-sharing arrangement that, though not enshrined in the constitution, has played a critical role in maintaining peace and unity among Nigeria's diverse ethnic and regional groups. He insisted that abiding by zoning agreements would foster a greater sense of belonging and inclusivity among citizens across all geopolitical zones.
“I don’t need more than four years to set Nigeria in the right direction. Two years is enough to start turning things around for good. Nigerians deserve a president who truly cares and shows compassion,” he added confidently, stressing that leadership should be about service and sacrifice rather than personal gain or prolonged tenure.
In the same address, Obi officially announced his intention to contest for the office of President of Nigeria again in the upcoming 2027 elections, expressing strong confidence in his capabilities and readiness to lead. He boldly declared, “I will contest for the office of President of Nigeria in 2027, and I am fully qualified to do so.” His statement was met with mixed reactions, as supporters celebrated his resolve while critics questioned his strategy and alliances.
Responding to recent speculations that he might consider becoming former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in 2027, Obi dismissed the claims outright. He clarified that no conversations or negotiations of such nature have taken place, stating, “People assume many things, but nobody has ever talked to me about being A, B, or C in the next election,” thus putting an end to the circulating rumours and reaffirming his commitment to his own presidential ambition.
Obi also addressed questions surrounding his loyalty to the Labour Party, especially after he publicly supported a coalition that had recently entered into an alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He reassured his supporters and the public that he remains a committed member of the Labour Party, despite his willingness to work across party lines to achieve common goals for the nation.
The former Anambra State governor further explained his openness to collaborating with individuals who had served under previous administrations, even those often criticized for underperformance. He argued that the experience these individuals possess, whether positive or negative, can be invaluable in identifying and avoiding systemic failures. Obi illustrated his point by comparing governance to corporate practices, saying, “Their experience matters. Even major companies hire people from failed organisations because they understand why those failures happened. We need people who know what can crash the system and how to avoid it,” emphasizing the importance of collective wisdom and lessons learned from past mistakes.