Politics
My One-Term, Four-Year Vow Is Sacrosanct Peter Obi replies Soludo
One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership. 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. 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.
I am fully aware that the decay in our society has made trust one of the scarcest and most sceptically viewed commodities. Many Nigerians, understandably, no longer take politicians at their word. But even in this climate of cynicism, there are still a few whose actions have matched their words – whose integrity is built on verifiable precedent.
Recently, I became aware of two statements aimed, albeit indirectly, at my vow to serve only a single four-year term. One person remarked that even if I swore by a shrine, I still wouldn’t be believed. Another suggested that anyone talking about doing only one term should undergo psychiatric evaluation.
I understand the basis of their scepticism. 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.
In my political life, my word is my bond. When I entered politics in Anambra State, I made clear and measurable promises to the people: to improve education and healthcare, to open up rural areas through road construction, and to manage public funds with prudence. I fulfilled each of those promises without deviation. I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable as a result of honouring my word.
My vow to serve only one term of four years is a solemn commitment, rooted in my conviction that purposeful, transparent leadership does not require an eternity.
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.
I maintain without equivocation: if elected, I will not spend a day longer than four years in office. In fact, I believe that service should be impactful, not eternal.
We must rebuild trust in our country. I have dedicated my public life to demonstrating that leadership with integrity is not a myth. I have done it before, and I do not intend to betray that trust under any circumstances.
Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference. In that time, I intend not merely to make an impression, but to deliver on concrete promises to:
sanitise our governance system;
tackle insecurity through effective and accountable use of national resources; prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation;
catalyse small businesses as engines of growth ; and combat corruption with unflinching resolve.
Above all, I will dedicate myself to transforming Nigeria from a consuming nation into a productive one, where agriculture, technology, and manufacturing replace rent-seeking and waste as our national anchors.
These are not utopian dreams. They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years.
A new Nigeria is POssible.
– PO
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday gifted six of her aides newly built houses across the senatorial district.
The gesture was part of the activities marking her 46th birthday.
The commissioning ceremonies, held in the beneficiaries’ local government areas, have drawn widespread admiration across Kogi State, with community leaders describing the gesture as a rare act of gratitude and a model of compassionate leadership.
The houses were handed over to Hamza Lamisi in Oboroke; Dr Salami Etudai in Kuroko; Mrs Adetayo Omotosho in Ogori-Magongo; Bashir Haroon in Ihima; Mr Dio in Ganaja Village; and Bello Abdulmumini in Rofochinomi, Okene.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan commended the recipients for their dedication and integrity.
She said, “I applaud you all for being diligent, sincere, and reliable. Leadership should never be selfish. When people work faithfully, it is only right that they reap the reward. I believe in lifting those who work with me, not using people and abandoning them.”
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defended his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Accord Party, describing the move as necessary to safeguard his personal security and the stability of the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Adeleke said he did not abandon the PDP, which he still holds in high regard, but chose to prioritise continuity in Osun’s development.
“It’s not true that I abandoned PDP. I love PDP, but I have to protect myself.
“I have to make sure I protect my state because of the good work we’ve been doing so that we can continue,” he said.
Adeleke joined the Accord Party on Tuesday after resigning from the PDP, the platform on which he won the 2022 governorship election.
He secured the AP governorship ticket on Wednesday.
He will face candidates from the All Progressives Congress, PDP and the coalition in the African Democratic Party in what is expected to be a decisive contest for his political future.
Reacting to concerns that contesting under a less popular party could affect his re-election chances, Adeleke expressed confidence that his performance in office would earn him a second term in the 2026 governorship election.
The governor said residents of the state are “wiser” and understand the difference between “good governance and bad governance,” arguing that the election would be decided by candidates, not political parties.
“Osun people are wiser. They know the difference between good governance and bad governance, and they have decided to toe the Imole path; it is me they are talking about.
“We are not even talking about parties right now; the party is just the platform. And when they compare the records of what my predecessor has done, and they compare [them] with my own records, they have suffered a lot in terms of unpaid salary.
“I came in, I brought hope, I brought light to Osun State. So, my records, first of all, will speak for themselves,” he said.
Adeleke said he is not worried about “federal might,” noting that he won the 2022 governorship election while in the opposition and expects to repeat that feat in 2026.
“Well, I believe our president is a democrat. He’s been in this position [opposition] before. When he was in opposition, I learned a lot from him, too.
“He stood his ground, despite the fact that he was in opposition, and he still won. So why can’t I do that?
“I was in the opposition when I won last time, and it’s not going to be different,” he added.
Adeleke added that the “people will decide,” saying he is confident voters will return him to office “because of my track record” and their desire for continuity.
Politics
BREAKING: Seven APC Governorship Aspirants In Osun Step Down After Meeting With Tinubu (List)
At least seven Osun State governorship aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have withdrawn from the race following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.
They have all agreed to support Bola Oyebamiji as the consensus governorship candidate in the forthcoming primary.
The meeting, called by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, was boycotted by one of the aspirants, Iyiola Omisore.
Omisore had earlier described his disqualification from the primary as a joke.
The aspirants who stepped down include former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, and Mulikat Abiola Jimoh.
President Tinubu: No Going Back on The Directive To Withdraw Police Officers From Vips
Why my family asked me to resign during EndSars – Lai Mohammed
Police probe viral video of officer mobbed over theft allegation
-
Business1 year ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending1 year agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Politics1 year agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Politics1 year agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Politics1 year agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Education1 year ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI