In a political landscape where trust has become a rare currency, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, is once again challenging the status quo with a bold and unambiguous commitment, that he will serve only one term if elected the president of Nigeria.

Drawing inspiration from global icons like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela – leaders who made their mark not by clinging to power, but by using it meaningfully – Obi insisted that true leadership is defined by impact, not tenure. Mandela’s decision to step down after just one term remains, for him, a shining example that leadership must never become a personal empire.

“In Africa, the longer leaders stay in power, the more disconnected they become from the people. I want to break that cycle,” Obi said.

His vow has not gone unnoticed. While many Nigerians are inspired, others remain sceptical – some even mocking the promise. One commentator scoffed that not even a shrine oath would make it believable. Another went so far as to suggest that Obi needs psychiatric help for making such a pledge.

But Obi is not moved by ridicule.

“They are measuring me by their own standards, where promises are made to be broken. But I am not like them. My record speaks for itself,” he maintained.

As the Governor of Anambra State, Obi’s tenure was defined by fiscal discipline, a focus on education and healthcare, and transparent governance. His promises then were kept. His results were measurable. His integrity, consistent.

“I never needed a shrine to keep my word. I simply did what I said I would do,” he declared.

Now, he’s applying the same principle to his presidential ambition.

“Four years is enough for a focused, disciplined leader to lay the foundation for transformation. I do not need eternity. I need purpose, a plan, and the people’s trust,” Obi insisted.

In those four years, Obi pledged to clean up the rot in governance, tackle insecurity with effective use of national resources, prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, empower small businesses as engines of inclusive growth, launch a relentless war against corruption and transform Nigeria from a consuming nation to a producing one.

For him, these are not lofty dreams – they’re achievable targets.

“These are realistic goals. And I know how to deliver them,” he affirmed.

With the unveiling of his one-term pledge, Peter Obi is not just running for office. He’s throwing down the gauntlet – challenging a broken system and offering Nigeria something rare: a promise made, and a promise meant.