“Call me Crazy, but I keep my Word” - Obi fires back at Soludo over One-Term promise
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has restated his commitment to serve only a single four-year term if elected President, declaring that his vow is “sacrosanct” and rooted in the tradition of purposeful, accountable leadership.
In a passionate statement released via social media, Obi invoked the legacies of iconic global leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela to emphasise that the true measure of leadership is not time in office, but service to the people.
“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership,” Obi wrote.
“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,” he said.
Obi said he is deeply aware of the erosion of trust in Nigerian politics, acknowledging that many citizens now regard political promises with cynicism. Travel guides to Nigeria
He recounted recent public reactions to his vow, including one person who said even a shrine oath would not be enough to convince them, and another (Prof. Charles Soludo) who joked that anyone promising to serve only one term should undergo psychiatric evaluation.
“I understand the basis of their scepticism,” he said, adding that “They are judging me by their own standards where political promises are made to be broken. But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth. I have a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation.”
He recalled his time in Anambra politics, noting that he made clear and measurable promises to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public finance, and delivered on them without deviation.
“I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable as a result of honouring my word,” he added.
“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.”
Obi stated unequivocally that if elected, he would not remain in office a day beyond four years.
He argued that impactful service does not require eternal rule, but focused leadership. “Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference,” he said.
Outlining his vision, Obi reaffirmed his resolve to sanitise Nigeria’s governance system, tackle insecurity through effective and accountable use of national resources, prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, promote small businesses as engines of economic growth, and confront corruption without hesitation.
Above all, he said, his administration would seek to shift Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to one built on production, anchored in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
“These are not utopian dreams,” Obi stated. “They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years.”
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