By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA – Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has defended his pledge to serve for only a single four-year term if elected in 2027, dismissing criticisms that have labelled his vow as desperate and unrealistic.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Obi argued that his commitment is driven by a desire to rebuild Nigeria, not by personal ambition. “I still find it baffling that my decision to do a term of four years, if given the mandate to rule this country, is generating so much agitation,” he wrote. “By this feeling, we are doubting the fact that a sincere leader can achieve much in 48 months.”
Addressing claims of desperation, the former Anambra State governor asserted that his political behaviour has never aligned with such traits, citing his avoidance of aggressive rhetoric, personal attacks, and unrealistic promises. He reiterated that his political philosophy has always prioritized principle over power and civility over conflict. “I have never been desperate in the pursuit of power, or anything else, for that matter,” he said.
Obi maintained that his single-term vow is both sincere and achievable. He stated that in four years, a committed administration could confront corruption, redirect resources to priority areas like education and infrastructure, and strengthen the rule of law and electoral integrity. He gave an example, “the trillions used to acquire new presidential jets and other unnecessary expenses… could have been channelled into education, healthcare, or infrastructure.”
The Labour Party candidate from the 2023 election concluded that his leadership is not about entitlement but about delivering meaningful impact. His one-term vow has become a widely discussed and contentious topic in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.