A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has expressed skepticism over Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s pledge to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.
Sani, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, said Peter Obi’s integrity is not in doubt but argued that his supporters might pressure him to seek re-election.
Supporters May Resist One-Term Limit
According to Sani, many of Obi’s followers would reject the one-term commitment because Nigeria’s constitution allows two terms in office. He noted that if Obi performs well in his first four years, his supporters may insist he continues.
“Peter Obi may genuinely intend to serve only one term,” Sani explained. “However, even if he swore an oath before a shrine, some people would still doubt his sincerity. Others believe his promise is political storytelling. My concern is not about his honesty, but about how he often yields to his supporters’ demands. If his governance in the first term is impressive, they will push for another term.”
Obi’s One-Term Statement Sparked Debate
On July 1, 2025, Obi publicly promised to serve only four years if elected president in 2027, saying:
“I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance.”
The remark has since triggered widespread debate among political stakeholders. While some applaud his commitment, others, like Sani, doubt the feasibility of such a plan in Nigeria’s political environment.
PDP’s Preferred Option
Sani also commented on the Peoples Democratic Party ’s 2027 strategy, suggesting that former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan remains the party’s best option, especially in terms of advancing northern interests.
“We are not looking at Jonathan’s candidacy from a promise perspective. That matter is already settled, and the law has taken care of it,” he added.
