A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has expressed his concerns regarding Peter Obi’s commitment to serve only one term if elected president, suggesting that his supporters may not permit him to honor this pledge.
Sani articulated his views during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, contending that while Obi’s integrity remains intact, the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate might yield to the demands of his supporters.
“At this point, Mr. Peter Obi may indeed be very sincere. Following my remarks, several individuals echoed my sentiments, with some even asserting that no matter if he swore an oath at a shrine, they would remain skeptical of him,” he stated. “Others have claimed he is merely spinning fanciful tales, yet the crux of my argument is not about Obi’s integrity but rather his tendency to cater to his supporters.
“It is widely acknowledged that his supporters will not consent to the one-term proposal, as the Constitution stipulates a two-term limit, and he is making promises for a single term. More critically, if his performance during the first term is commendable, they will likely encourage him to seek a second term.
“Thus, numerous challenges exist regarding that promise. It is a commitment made, yet it may not be a commitment fulfilled. Therefore, the question is not whether Obi will uphold the promise; it is whether his supporters will permit him to do so.”
“I do not require a day beyond four years. I will demonstrate the path to effective governance,” Obi remarked during the July 1 edition of Sunday Politics.
However, this statement has sparked ongoing discussions among stakeholders, including Sani, who believes that Obi’s proposal may prove challenging to actualize. He asserts that the most favorable option for the PDP is former president Goodluck Jonathan, as he considers this choice to be in the best interest of the northern region.
“Thus, we are not evaluating Jonathan from the perspective of promises made. That matter has been settled. The law has already addressed it,” he concluded.
“He is unable to serve more than a single term. Therefore, if the law and the constitution restrict him to one term, the only option left for him is to complete that one term and depart.”
