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Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said his promise to serve only one term if elected is not driven by desperation, but by a genuine desire to offer accountable leadership and make Nigeria work.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Obi expressed surprise that his decision to commit to a single four-year term had sparked public reactions.
He argued that a sincere and focused leader can bring about significant change within 48 months, if service, rather than personal ambition is the true motive for seeking office.
Dismissing claims of desperation, Obi stated that his political history has never reflected traits typically associated with a desperate quest for power.
He noted that he has always steered clear of aggressive rhetoric, reactive behaviour, unrealistic promises, or personal attacks on opponents’ practices he believes are hallmarks of desperate politics.
Obi maintained that his presidential ambition is rooted in a deep-seated commitment to national development, and not a hunger for power.
He added that if what the country requires is four years of focused, principled leadership, he is willing to make that sacrifice.
He further defended his record, stating that he has never been linked to electoral malpractice, ballot box snatching, or political thuggery throughout his career.
According to him, his campaigns have always upheld peace, fairness, and civility, and his opponents have never been denied their rights or forced to go beyond their means during electioneering.
Obi believed four years is enough to confront corruption, rechannel national resources to critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and enforce the rule of law.
He stressed that leadership should not be about entitlement, but about service. If elected, he pledged to devote every moment of his one-term presidency to building a nation that works for all.
He said, “If Service is the motive Turning the Tide in Four Years is Possible
“I still find it baffling that my decision to do a term of four years, if given the mandate to rule this country, is generating so much agitation. By this feeling, we are doubting the fact that a sincere leader can achieve much in 48 months.
“I have never been desperate in the pursuit of power, or anything else, for that matter. There are some traits associated with desperation, which in no way are in any of my political behaviours in the past and now, like engaging in overly aggressive rhetoric or actions to prove a point or gain attention; becoming overly defensive or reactive to criticism, often to the point of appearing paranoid.
“Making unrealistic or unfulfillable promises to win support or approval, resorting to personal attacks or character assassination to discredit opponents or frequently changing positions or policies to suit immediate political needs.
“What drives me is not personal ambition, but a deep, commitment to see Nigeria work. And if the sacrifice required of me is four years of sincere, accountable leadership, so be it.
“Throughout my political journey, I have never been involved in thuggery, the snatching of ballot boxes, or any form of electoral malpractice. I challenge anyone: conduct your investigations. You will find no stains of rigging or violence associated with my name. I have always chosen the path of peace, principle, and civility.
“Ask those who have contested against me—none were ever denied their rights, framed, or falsely accused. None was asked to place their advert materials or break the bank to do so. I believe in fair competition, not manufactured victories.
“In four years we can confront corruption head-on, redirecting resources to priority areas. For instance, the trillions used to acquire new presidential jets and other unnecessary expenses at this time could have been channelled into education, healthcare, or infrastructure.
“Within the same period, we ensure that the rule is sacrosanct and the rule of law is strictly followed.
“Within the same period, we can conduct free, fair and credible elections
“Leadership, to me, is not about entitlement. It is about service. If given the mandate, for just one term, I will dedicate every moment to building a Nigeria that works for all. -PO.”
