Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi
Obi divides North, they demand proof he can be trusted
The pledge made by the presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, that he would serve one term if elected in 2027, has ignited sharp divisions across Northern Nigeria, splitting elders, political groups, and youth movements along trust lines.
Obi had made the remark to assure the electorate of his commitment to the zoning arrangement on the presidency between the North and the South.
But many believed the remark was specifically made to woo northern voters while others doubt its sincerity.
In fact, notable political camps in the region, known for its numerical advantage during elections, have been pitched against each other.
Some told Sunday Vanguard that it was just a ploy to get northern support and votes while others said Obi should be trusted by the region.
Making his case, the presidential aspirant had restated his vow to serve only one term of four years if elected president, insisting that effective leadership is defined by impact, not time spent in office.
In a statement posted via his X (formerly Twitter) handle last Sunday, Obi referenced global figures such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, noting that each led with principle and left enduring legacies despite short tenures.
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“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership”, he said.
“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. Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it.
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