The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has submitted a proposal to the opposition coalition championed by an assemblage of opposition key political figures desirous to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
In the proposal, Peter Obi indicated that he will contest the 2027 presidential election for only one-term and would not re-contest for a second term in 2031.
Accordingly, the Coalition, which has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform, is expected to assess and scrutinise the proposal in the light of limited time available to actualise the deals and agreements ahead of electioneering campaigns next year and the 2027 general elections.
National Coordinator for the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, who announced the submission of the proposal on Tuesday, said that Peter Obi is willing to serve only a single term in office if elected President in 2027.
Tanko said; “We have presented it to the Coalition. It is there for them to make a decision. But, we are confident it can work. This is a pronouncement rooted in integrity, and Peter Obi embodies that. What Nigeria needs now are leaders with integrity.
“The former Anambra State governor does not require more than four years to transform the country and rescue its economy from collapse.
“Obi has said clearly—even though the single term is not in the constitution—that he is committing himself to serve only one tenure. He believes four years is more than enough to accomplish his mission. That shows you how prepared and focused he is.
“Even stabilising electricity alone will solve a multitude of problems. He is promising that under his leadership, Nigeria will become an exporting country again. Planes will no longer leave our airports empty,” he said.
Tanko also explained why Obi accepted a traditional title from Pantami community after decades of turning down similar honours, saying; “Obi is not a man who chases titles. But this one is special. It comes from a northern community recognising an Igbo man for his generosity and impact”.
He particularly said that the recognition from Pantami was a testament to the bridge-building legacy of Peter Obi and an indicator that the political tide might be shifting ahead of 2027.
According to Tanko; “It speaks volumes about Obi’s growing national acceptance, especially in the North where he was less favoured during the 2023 elections,” he enthused.
Tanko further said that Obi’s humanitarian efforts in northern Nigeria—particularly in underserved communities—had begun to shift public perception in the region.
According to him; “His Excellency has visited places without potable water and funded borehole projects. In Pantami today, there is clean water not just for people but even for animals. Locals now say, ‘Go fetch me water from Peter Obi’s borehole.’ That tells you something has changed.
“He also supports entrepreneurship among northern youths and visits Almajiri schools, even helping to build toilets where there were none. These gestures have earned him deep grassroots support,” he said.
