Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to serving only one term if elected president in 2027, saying four years is enough to make meaningful changes in Nigeria and that he is willing to sign a legally binding affidavit to prove his commitment.
Obi made the remarks during an extended conversation at an airport, where he spoke on issues ranging from security and the economy to corruption, elections and national unity.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, Obi said protecting lives and property would be his administration’s top priority. He argued that military action alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing the need for improved intelligence, better coordination among security agencies, modern technology and efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment.
On the economy, Obi said Nigeria must shift from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production by investing heavily in agriculture, manufacturing and small businesses.
He pointed to Bangladesh’s success in rice production despite having less land than Nigeria, insisting that with improved security, irrigation, rural infrastructure and access to finance, Northern Nigeria has the potential to become the food basket of Africa.
“Oil is a diminishing asset, but productive land, properly managed, can create wealth for generations,” Obi said.
Speaking on the 2027 presidential election, Obi dismissed concerns about political realignments, saying political parties are merely platforms for governance and that competent leaders should unite to solve Nigeria’s problems.
On speculation that he would serve only one term if elected, Obi was emphatic.
“Yes, you can do a lot in four years. You can change Nigeria in four years. I am committed to serving a single term of four years,” he said.
He added that he was prepared to sign a legally binding affidavit if necessary to reassure Nigerians.
“If necessary, I am prepared to sign further undertakings, including a legally binding affidavit before a competent court affirming my commitment to one term,” Obi stated.
According to him, honouring such an agreement is essential for rebuilding public trust and promoting national unity.
On corruption, Obi argued that leadership integrity is the strongest weapon against graft, saying transparent governance and prudent management of public resources would significantly reduce corruption.
He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing debt, stressing that borrowing should be directed toward productive sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and technology rather than recurrent spending.
Obi further called for credible elections, insisting that every legitimate vote must count and urging Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process.
“The 2027 election will be a defining moment… Nigerians must participate, protect their votes and take ownership of their democracy,” he said.
Ending the conversation on a hopeful note, Obi encouraged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the country’s future.
“Our greatest resource is our people. What has held us back is leadership. If we get leadership right, every other challenge becomes easier to address. That is why I continue to say that a new Nigeria is possible,” he concluded.
