Popular media personality and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, has openly criticized Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, over his recent promise to serve only one term if elected president of Nigeria.
Speaking during a widely circulated segment on Arise Television on Monday, Abati dismissed Obi’s vow as a “sign of desperation,” urging Nigerians to be wary of politicians making such promises.
“What I am saying is that any politician that comes to you and says, ‘I am going to do only one term,’ that is a sign of desperation. It will not work,” Abati stated.
The comment comes amidst ongoing public debate sparked by Obi’s pledge to serve just a single term in office if elected president, a statement that has drawn both support and criticism. Among the critics is the current Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, who also chided Obi for the one-term presidency remark.
However, Obi has stood firm on his position, maintaining that his promise reflects his commitment to national service and urgency in delivering results.
Abati, however, was not convinced, likening Obi’s approach to other political theatrics, including his symbolic acts such as “serving food and carrying plates” at public events. “Just like the gambit about serving food and doing boy-boy at parties that should be better handled by professional event organizers, it is also a sign of desperation,” he said.
He emphasized that what Nigeria needs is not symbolic acts or catchy promises, but competent leadership free from the distractions of religion, ethnicity, or populist gestures.
“If Nigerian people are politically educated to a point where they can vote for a competent person regardless of where he comes from or his religion, that’s when the country will begin to move forward,” Abati said.
As the political space heats up ahead of the next electoral cycle, Obi’s one-term pledge continues to stir varied reactions from Nigerians, analysts, and political actors alike.
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