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LIKE ABRAHAM LINCOLN MANDELA’S, I WILL SERVE ONLY ONE TERM AS PRESIDENT
Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has claimed he is committed to serving only one term of four years if elected President in 2027.
Obi made this vow in a statement, on Sunday, citing examples of notable leaders who served with integrity and purpose.
Obi referenced Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, who served with distinction despite having limited time in office.
“History shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it,” Obi said.
In the long statement on his X handle, he emphasised that longevity in office is not a mark of success, but rather purposeful, accountable service.
Obi noted that his vow to serve only one term is “sacrosanct” and rooted in his conviction that purposeful leadership does not require an eternity.
“I will serve only one term of four years if elected President. And that vow is sacrosanct,” he declared.
He wrote, “One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership. Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generations. In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as President of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer.
“His decision was a deliberate act of leadership, a statement that power must serve the people, not the self. Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it. Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service – however brief – that defines true statesmanship.
“It is within this context that I reiterate my vow: I will serve only one term of four years if elected President. And that vow is sacrosanct. I am fully aware that the decay in our society has made trust one of the scarcest and most sceptically viewed commodities.
“Many Nigerians, understandably, no longer take politicians at their word. But even in this climate of cynicism, there are still a few whose actions have matched their words – whose integrity is built on verifiable precedent. In my political life, my word is my bond. When I entered politics in Anambra State, I made clear and measurable promises to the people: to improve education and healthcare, to open up rural areas through road construction, and to manage public funds with prudence. I fulfilled each of those promises without deviation. I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable as a result of honouring my word.
“My vow to serve only one term of four years is a solemn commitment, rooted in my conviction that purposeful, transparent leadership does not require an eternity. 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. I maintain without equivocation: if elected, I will not spend a day longer than four years in office. In fact, I believe that service should be impactful, not eternal. We must rebuild trust in our country. I have dedicated my public life to demonstrating that leadership with integrity is not a myth. I have done it before, and I do not intend to betray that trust under any circumstances. Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference.”
