PDP Slams Peter Obi Over One-Term Presidency Promise

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lashed out at Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent pledge to serve only a single term if elected president in 2027, labeling the promise as both "unnecessary" and "unconstitutional."

Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, expressed concern on Tuesday in Abuja, warning that Obi's commitment to a single four-year term could be perceived as undermining the spirit and letter of Nigeria’s constitution, which clearly provides for a maximum of two presidential terms.

“I don’t believe such statements belong in a serious democratic setting. It’s regrettable,” Osadolor stated. “The constitution makes provision for an eight-year maximum tenure. Declaring upfront that you’ll serve only four years could distort the democratic process and should not be encouraged.”

Osadolor argued that electoral campaigns should focus on a candidate’s qualifications, leadership strength, and ability to foster national unity—not on symbolic or sentimental gestures designed to emotionally appeal to voters.

“If you believe in your capacity, competence, and ability to unite Nigeria, then let your campaign reflect that,” he added. “Telling Nigerians that you won’t seek a second term is a distraction. It adds no real value to the nation’s desperate need for competent and visionary leadership.”

He further stressed that what Nigeria needs now is not promises based on tenure length, but a credible leader with the wisdom, integrity, and capability to lead the country through its complex challenges.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna