Peter Obi one-term pledge has received fresh backing from the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, who criticised Igbo leaders opposing the former Anambra governor’s reported commitment to serve only one term if elected president. Amadi argued that the decision aligns with Nigeria’s long-standing rotational presidency arrangement.
Writing on X in a post titled “Much Ado about Kwankwaso Interview,” Amadi questioned why prominent Igbo political figures, including former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, had not sought the presidency if they believed the South should hold power for two terms.
His comments followed claims by the NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, that he and Peter Obi reached an agreement under which Obi would serve only one term before handing over power to the North in line with the zoning principle.
Amadi insisted that anyone who supports power rotation should expect a southern president elected in the current political cycle to complete only one term before power returns to the North in 2031. He argued that Obi’s reported position reflects consistency rather than political weakness.
Furthermore, Amadi said Obi had repeatedly spoken about serving a single term to preserve the zoning arrangement, which he described as an important pillar of Nigeria’s political stability. He criticised those now attacking the position despite previously supporting rotational leadership.
He also challenged critics to explain why other respected Igbo politicians had not entered the presidential race if they believed the region deserved a full eight-year tenure. According to him, it is unfair to fault Obi for honouring an arrangement many political stakeholders have defended.
The debate over the Peter Obi one-term pledge continues to fuel political discussions ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with supporters and critics divided over whether the move strengthens or weakens the South-East’s quest for the presidency.
