Even With Gun on My Head, I Won’t Exceed Four Years as President — Obi

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has declared that he would not remain in office beyond a single four-year term if elected president of Nigeria.

Obi made the declaration on Wednesday during an interview on News Central Television, where he spoke on governance, insecurity and the country’s economic challenges.

The former governor said his desire to serve only one term was driven by the need to stabilise the country and address urgent national problems within a limited period.

According to him, the enormous responsibility attached to governing Nigeria demands focus, discipline and measurable results rather than a prolonged stay in office.

“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 in my head,” Obi said during the interview.

He maintained that a determined and committed administration could achieve substantial reforms within one tenure if priorities were properly set.

Obi also criticised the nation’s current economic condition, claiming that Nigeria’s debt profile had risen significantly in recent years.

According to him, the level of borrowing under the present administration had surpassed what previous governments accumulated over a longer period.

The Labour Party chieftain argued that the country’s economic difficulties had worsened, while insecurity and declining public confidence continued to affect national stability.

He further lamented what he described as Nigeria’s declining global image, insisting that poor leadership remained at the centre of many of the country’s problems.

The former presidential candidate also faulted the handling of insecurity in several parts of the country, questioning why attacks and killings continued in states such as Plateau, Niger and Benue without immediate intervention from top political leaders.

According to Obi, leadership requires direct involvement, especially during moments of national crisis.

He said public officials should not remain distant from communities affected by violence but must visit troubled areas to assess situations firsthand and provide practical solutions.

Obi stressed that leaders owe citizens empathy, visibility and decisive action during difficult periods.

The former Anambra governor has remained one of the leading opposition voices since the 2023 general election, frequently commenting on issues relating to governance, economic reforms and security.

His latest remarks are expected to intensify political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election, particularly around presidential tenure, leadership accountability and the future direction of the country.