By Adesakin Adefemi
The Presidency has rejected Peter Obi’s renewed promise to serve only one term if elected president, arguing that the former Anambra governor’s political record undermines his credibility on the pledge.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the remarks in a post on X on May 14, 2026, following Obi’s appearance on News Central Television. In the interview, Obi stated he would remain in office for no more than four years to promote political stability and address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
“I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day longer than four years,” Obi said during the broadcast. He also used the platform to criticize the Tinubu administration’s handling of borrowing, insecurity, and food policy, claiming the country had become poorer and less secure over the past two years.
Obi alleged that the current government had borrowed more in two years than all previous administrations combined and accused it of failing to protect citizens in conflict-affected areas. He cited recent attacks in Jos, Niger, and Benue where hundreds were killed and questioned the administration’s response.
The former governor further contrasted Nigeria’s situation with that of Ukraine, which he said was donating grain despite being at war. He argued that instead of supporting local farmers during recent crises, the government resorted to food imports, which he said harmed domestic agriculture.
Responding, Onanuga said Obi’s promise should not be taken at face value, pointing to what he described as a pattern of shifting political loyalties and unfulfilled commitments. He referenced Obi’s time in the All Progressives Grand Alliance, where Obi had publicly pledged loyalty to the party while serving as governor of Anambra State.
“Consider his record: while in APGA, he famously placed himself under a self-curse, vowing never to leave the party that made him governor. He gave his word to the Ikemba, even on his deathbed, swearing loyalty and fidelity to APGA,” Onanuga wrote. “Yet, Peter Obi’s pledges have always been short-lived. He ultimately abandoned APGA for the PDP, and since then, he has drifted from one political platform to another—a political rolling stone.”
Onanuga concluded that Obi’s history demonstrates his word can not be relied upon. “By his own actions, Peter Obi has shown that his word can not be trusted. His promises are as fleeting as his political allegiances,” he stated.
The exchange highlights the deepening political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections, with both sides using past records and policy critiques to frame the contest over leadership and trust. Obi, who ran for president in 2023 under the Labour Party, has continued to position himself as an advocate for fiscal discipline and security reform.
