ACF Dismisses Peter Obi’s One-Term Pledge as Political Strategy, Cites Constitutional Flexibility 

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has dismissed former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term if elected in 2027, calling it a political tactic with no constitutional binding.

The ACF argued that Obi could still seek a second term if he chooses, as Nigeria’s constitution permits two terms for presidents.

ACF spokesperson Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba referenced past leaders like ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, who initially pledged a single term but later contested and won a second term. He stated that such promises are mere campaign strategies rather than legal obligations.

Obi, however, reaffirmed his commitment to a four-year tenure, insisting his word is his bond. He cited global leaders like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela as examples of leaders who achieved lasting legacies within short terms.

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo recently mocked politicians making one-term promises, suggesting they need psychological evaluation.

Meanwhile, the debate ties into Nigeria’s unofficial power rotation agreement between the North and South, with the South expected to hold the presidency until 2031.

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) also dismissed Obi’s pledge, calling it a deceptive ploy for political relevance. AYCF President Alhaji Yerima Shettima expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, stating that Obi’s proposal holds no merit.

In a separate reaction, Minister Festus Keyamo downplayed Obi’s 2027 prospects, claiming he lacks the northern support and structural backing enjoyed by Tinubu and the APC.

Keyamo argued that opposition alliances would fail to match the ruling party’s electoral strength.

Obi, however, remains steadfast, vowing to deliver impactful governance within four years while restoring public trust in leadership.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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