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PETER OBI’S SINGLE TERM PROPOSAL TICKLES NIGERIANS
The proposal by Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), to rule for a single term of four years if picked as the coalition’s 2027 presidential candidate and wins, is generating interest among Nigerians.
While many are of the view that the proposal will make Obi attractive for consideration as the opposition flag bearer, others see it as a political statement.
However, some Nigerians who spoke to Sunday Independent on the issue believe that Obi’s proposal should be considered as honest, even as others maintain that even if he wants to adhere to the proposal, he may be pressured by some interests to jettison it, after the first four years.
Dr Bolaji O. Akinyemi, the Apostle of good governance and Convener, the Apostolic Round Table (ART), one of those who spoke to Sunday Independent, maintained that the swing of power in Nigeria since 1999 has always been between the South and the North.
Going memory lane, Akinyemi explained that former President Olusegun Obasanjo took the slot of the South, basically to pacify the aggressive South West after the annulment of June 12.
He stressed that in sharing power between South and North, there was balancing of the presidential ticket between Christian/ Muslim at inception and Muslim/Christian at succession, a pattern that Tinubu/Shetima’s Muslim/Muslim ticket upset.
Akinyemi, the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, a.ka PVC Naija, and a strategic communicator, maintained that Obi’s proposal to serve only a single term as president, could make him more attractive to voters of Northern extraction, who are hopeful of return of power to the North in 2031.
Akinyemi stated: “If he (Obi) further accommodated the traditional balancing of Christian/ Muslim, this gesture is seen as a bold and principled stance, showcasing his commitment to national stability and progress over personal ambition.
“By pledging to serve only four years, Obi aims to build trust and unity among opposition groups. His proposal highlights his focus on delivering results, such as stabilising electricity, reviving the economy and improving security.
“This approach may appeal to Nigerians seeking a leader with integrity and a strong vision for the country’s future.”
Amb. Kalu Ofon Emmanuel, in his contribution, said that Obi’s proposal to serve only a single term may not make him more attractive for consideration as flag bearer of the opposition party.
Dr Emmanuel, Lagos State Chapter President, lnternational Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS), Florida, USA, stated: “Peter Obi would like to stick to his word to serve only one term.
“The word sounds good to hear, but bringing it to an analytical table and constructive criticism, many would hunt him down.
“If he wins and finishes his first tenure, people may compel him to continue the second term in office, if he did well in his first term.
“I feel a lot of people will like to vote for him as a person and not party affiliations.
“Every political contestant will definitely make good proposals to attract votes of the masses, but the ability to consolidate on the manifestos will be swept under the carpet.
“Sweet words are good for campaigns. If it pleases the masses, he becomes a winner.”
Dr Victor Mathew, a security expert and the Executive Director, Kingdom Advocacy Network (KAN), stated that Nigerian politicians are known for their political statements, hence Obi’s declaration that he will serve only one term if he becomes the president in 2027 should be seen as political.
Mathew, a cleric and the Lead Pastor, Divine Channel Ministries International, Ikeja, Lagos, stated: “I believe it is a political statement.
