The Presidency has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent promise to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.
The reaction followed Obi’s statement during an interview with News Central TV, where he declared that he would not remain in office beyond four years, even under pressure.
In a viral video clip from the interview scheduled to air on Thursday, Obi said Nigeria needs stability and leadership focused on rebuilding the country.
“I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day longer than four years, even with a gun to my head,” Obi stated.
Reacting to the statement, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Obi’s promise and questioned his political credibility.
Posting on X, Onanuga said Nigerians should not trust Obi’s latest pledge because of his past political decisions.
“If you believe Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term as president, you’ll believe anything,” Onanuga wrote.
The presidential aide accused Obi of repeatedly changing political parties despite previous loyalty declarations.
According to him, Obi once pledged total commitment to the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, during his time as governor of Anambra State before later leaving the party for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Onanuga described Obi as a “political rolling stone,” claiming his political history shows inconsistency.
“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,” he added.
The Presidency further argued that Obi’s political movement over the years makes his promises difficult to trust.
The former Anambra governor also used the interview to criticise President Bola Tinubu’s administration over rising insecurity, borrowing and food policies.
Obi claimed Nigeria had become poorer and more insecure within two years under the current administration.
He said the government failed to properly support farmers during periods of insecurity and instead relied heavily on food imports.
The former Labour Party candidate finished third in the 2023 presidential election behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Obi has continued to position himself as a major opposition figure ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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