Debate Grows in Southeast Over Peter Obi’s One-Term Presidency Proposal

With Nigerians approaching the 2027 presidential election, stakeholders in the Southeast have continued to weigh in on the single-term presidency proposal by the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. While some believe Obi could turn the tide within four or five years as he suggested, others argue the time frame is too short to fix the country.

Obi first stirred political debate when he announced his plan to serve only one term of five years if elected. During a courtesy visit to Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State in August 2025, he said Nigeria should abolish a second term for presidents, citing South Korea as an example. He told newsmen, “I’ve said it and I want to say it again in this Government House that if I have the opportunity, we should stop having a second tenure for president. It should be five years straight so that people can come in knowing they have a job to do. What people do now is to be president for one year and use the rest of the year thinking about their next tenure. We must stop it, let’s face the real job, do your own and go.”

The comment has since sparked a wave of opinions across Nigeria. The National Chairman of the Action Alliance, Kenneth Udeze, dismissed Obi’s remarks, warning against taking them “hook line and sinker.” Speaking with newsmen, Udeze said Obi’s position appeared to be a political strategy to woo Nigerians because of his ambition to become president. He argued that Nigeria’s constitution allows a second term and stressed that four years is not enough to address deep-rooted problems like insecurity, corruption, and economic instability. He added that while Obi might intend to serve one term if elected, history shows politicians often bow to pressure to seek re-election.

Udeze further maintained that even five years would require constitutional amendment, which must pass through the legislature and be signed into law. He noted that leadership challenges in Nigeria demand more time to correct years of corruption and inefficiency.

In contrast, Chyma Anthony, the APGA 2023 Imo East senatorial candidate, described Obi’s proposal as a welcomed development. He told newsmen that one term is sufficient for meaningful change if backed by vision and commitment. “Four years is enough for somebody to be in leadership and make changes, I don’t see anything wrong in that. Nigerians are saying even if you will go for one year and make things better, go. It’s not about Peter Obi, it’s about fixing Nigeria” he said.

Anthony, who admitted Obi’s political influence cost him an election in 2023, argued that strong leadership could achieve significant progress in four or five years. He pointed to the failure of Nigeria’s monetary policies, inflation, and economic mismanagement as areas where quick reforms could yield results.

The former senatorial candidate also suggested that Obi has the political reach to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, recalling that Obi won Lagos during the 2023 election. “Nothing is impossible. Even Northerners that would determine what happens in 2027 are already tired. Nigerians want someone who can deliver. People are suffering and dying daily, whether from insecurity, fake foods, or poor governance. Anybody who comes to fix Nigeria can win” Anthony said.

The debate over Obi’s one-term proposal reflects deeper frustrations with governance in Nigeria, as citizens weigh the prospects of reform against the realities of constitutional and political constraints.