ACF Rejects Peter Obi’s Renewed One-Term Presidency Pledge

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has rejected the renewed one-term presidency pledge made by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing it as a political maneuver lacking constitutional backing. Obi recently restated his commitment to serve only one term of four years if elected president in 2027. According to him, leadership is about purpose, not longevity, and he believes a focused administration can achieve significant progress within a single term. He pledged to prioritise key national issues such as insecurity, economic recovery, education, healthcare, and industrial growth, insisting that his vow is “sacrosanct.” The ACF, however, dismissed the statement as political rhetoric. Speaking on behalf of the northern sociopolitical group, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba said Obi’s pledge has no legal weight and cannot be relied upon. He argued that such promises are non-binding and unenforceable under Nigeria’s constitution, which allows a president to seek re-election after the first four-year term. The group recalled similar pledges in the past, particularly by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who initially promised to serve for just one term but later contested and won a second. The group maintained that Northern leaders will not base their political decisions on verbal assurances that have no constitutional guarantee. They urged Nigerians to be cautious of campaign promises that may not withstand the realities of governance. In reaction, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga also dismissed Obi’s commitment, labelling it as dishonest and politically motivated. He criticised Obi’s history of shifting political allegiances, particularly his defection from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), despite publicly pledging to remain in the party. Political observers believe Obi’s one-term promise is aimed at appealing to Northern interests ahead of the 2027 elections, possibly suggesting that power could return to the region after four years. While some see it as a bold and selfless stance, critics argue it is a calculated move designed to gain trust without real accountability. As debates over the 2027 presidency intensify, Obi’s reiterated pledge continues to generate mixed reactions, raising questions about political sincerity, constitutional limits, and the credibility of campaign promises in Nigeria’s democratic system.