‘You’re inconsistent’ – Presidency slams Peter Obi over one-term promise

The Bola Tinubu-led administration has taken a swipe at former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent remarks pledging to serve only one term if elected President.

In a strongly worded statement released by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency accused Obi of inconsistency and misleading the public with his shifting stance on critical national issues, including his one-term promise.

According to Onanuga, Obi’s public declarations lack clarity and sincerity, especially his vow to lead Nigeria for just one term. He claimed the former governor’s comments are part of a broader pattern of political inconsistency that should not be overlooked.

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“You’re neither a Mandela nor a Lincoln or a Kennedy. You sound as if you have never held an elected office before,” the critic declared, challenging Obi’s self-comparison to globally revered leaders.”

The statement further accused Obi of political opportunism, pointing to his past re-election bid in Anambra.

“You sought re-election as Anambra Governor in 2010, and narrowly won courtesy of a divided opposition,” it read. “Why didn’t you walk away after only one term in office?”

Taking a swipe at Obi’s performance during his governorship, the statement questioned his achievements:

“Meanwhile, after serving two terms, did Anambra look like a state that has been transformed? If you couldn’t transform a small Anambra after 8 years, is there a guarantee that you’ll do anything significant under 4 years as President of a complex and complicated Nigeria?”

Accusations of broken promises were also raised, referencing his exit from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), despite earlier pledges not to abandon the party. “You talk about keeping your promises or your vow being your bond, but you and I know that’s not true. You have broken previous promises and usually lie with reckless abandon, sometimes needlessly,” Onanuga stated.

“You talk about trust, but how do you expect people to trust someone who can’t keep a simple promise not to leave a political party?” the statement added.

Obi, on his part, has remained vocal about his commitment to serve only a single term if elected president. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he referenced iconic leaders as a basis for his pledge.

“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership,” he wrote.

“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.”

Obi stated that his commitment was rooted in conviction, not convenience. “His decision was a deliberate act of leadership, a statement that power must serve the people, not the self,” he said of Mandela.