Lagos, Nigeria – August 5, 2025 Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has announced that he will serve only one term of four years if elected president in the upcoming 2027 general election.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Obi emphasized that leadership is not about how long someone stays in office, but about how well they serve the people. He referenced global icons like Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela, who made powerful impacts despite serving short terms.
“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,” Obi wrote.
“Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference. I do not intend to stay a day longer. History shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it,” he added.
Opposition Coalition Gathers Strength
Peter Obi, a major voice in Nigeria’s opposition, is working with others under a coalition using the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Although he has been linked to the ADC coalition, Obi is still an official member of the Labour Party, the platform he used during the 2023 elections. It is not yet clear which party he will contest under in the next election.
Key Plans for Nigeria
Obi outlined his major focus areas if elected president. He promised to:
- Clean up government practices to make them more transparent and accountable
- Tackle insecurity by using the country’s resources more effectively
- Improve education and healthcare for the benefit of all Nigerians
- Support small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to grow the economy
- Transform Nigeria into a productive nation driven by agriculture, technology, and manufacturing
Obi’s message appears to target young Nigerians, professionals, and reform-minded citizens who are seeking a government that will act swiftly and decisively without clinging to power.
With the 2027 elections still over a year away, many are watching closely to see whether Obi will officially declare his candidacy—and under which party. But for now, he has made one thing clear: if given the chance, he plans to lead with impact, not duration.
