By Ayo Kehinde
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has declared that he is willing to serve only one term in office, should a broader political coalition demand such an arrangement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during a live XSpace session on Sunday, Obi reiterated his commitment to national interest over personal ambition, stressing that he is not desperate to occupy the presidency.
“If it is agreed that I should serve only one term, I will leave office on May 29, 2031. I am not desperate to be president; I am desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said.
Obi emphasised the importance of honouring zoning arrangements and respecting the conditions of coalition politics, noting that he had upheld similar principles during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, despite personal sacrifices.
Amid growing speculation over a potential alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 polls, Obi dismissed claims of any ongoing negotiations on a joint ticket, stating that his focus remains on policy-driven collaboration.
“If the coalition is about sharing tickets and power for its sake, count me out. I’m not interested. I want a coalition that stops the killings in Borno, puts food on people’s tables, and gets our industries working,” he said.
He further clarified that his supporters are not opposed to forming alliances but are prioritising substance over political convenience. “It’s not about rejection. We’ve never even discussed tickets. It’s about Nigeria first,” he added.
Reflecting on his leadership philosophy, Obi recalled personally attending funerals and visiting sites of tragedy during his time as Governor, asserting that public office must be rooted in empathy and accountability.
“Leadership is not about flying jets. It’s about compassion. If 17 soldiers die in Niger and the president is commissioning parties in Lagos, we’ve lost our humanity,” he stated.
He added, “I don’t want to be president to decorate my CV. I want to show that leadership can be different — and effective.”
Obi also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent official visit to St. Lucia, describing it as ill-timed and tone-deaf amid domestic economic and security challenges.
He questioned the relevance of the visit, noting that the Caribbean nation has a population smaller than that of Ajegunle, a densely populated neighbourhood in Lagos.
Obi’s comments come as political consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with growing calls for opposition unity to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
