Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has declared his readiness to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.
Obi made this commitment during a Twitter Space session hosted by Parallel Facts on Sunday, reiterating his belief in the zoning principle as a cornerstone of equitable governance in Nigeria.
“If you take the arrangement, which is understandably what you can call an unwritten agreement that power would go South and North, and if that arrangement is to be followed strictly, you would see that anybody, not just me, who happens to come from the south as president in 2027 must be ready to leave on the 28th of May, 2031,” Obi stated.
Obi’s declaration comes amid reports that he, alongside former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, ex-transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai, is forming a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
The former Anambra governor emphasized that the zoning principle, which alternates the presidency between the North and the South, is a commitment he has consistently upheld.
“I campaigned for zoning. I championed zoning in Anambra State. That is one of the reasons some people feel they must deal with this man. I insisted on it, I maintained it, and I followed it to the last letter,” Obi said.
Obi added that his advocacy for zoning has not been without challenges, noting that his adherence to the principle has made him a target for political opponents.
“Till today, I still follow it religiously,” he affirmed.
Obi also underscored his character and integrity, which he said are more important to him than holding public office.
“I am not desperate to be president of Nigeria. If I have the opportunity, and if the opportunity is for two years, in two years, I would be able to bring competency, capacity, and compassion into governance,” he said.
The LP presidential candidate reiterated his belief in governance rooted in fairness, arguing that power rotation helps to foster unity and inclusivity.
“Any candidate from the south elected president in 2027 must be prepared to leave office on May 28, 2031, in line with the unwritten power-sharing agreement,” Obi said,.
Obi described his approach to leadership as guided by service and legacy rather than personal ambition.
“For me, it’s not about staying in office for eight years or more; it’s about making a difference within the time allotted,” he said.
The former governor expressed optimism about the coalition’s potential to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
“This is a collective effort, and if the coalition entrusts me with the responsibility, I will deliver,” he said.
“I have always stood for what is fair, equitable, and just,” he explained. .
