Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi's vow to serve only one term if elected president in 2027. Igbokwe dismissed the idea of a single term presidency as a mark of desperation and a misunderstanding of Nigeria’s leadership demands.
In a social media post on X, Igbokwe wrote, “Desperation everywhere. Those who do not know Nigeria very well and those who do know what leadership is all about are desperately asking for a single term in office as President. Let us put our thinking caps. To be President of Nigeria is not moi moi.”
His remarks come as Obi reiterated his promise to serve a single four-year term, a pledge inspired by his belief that impactful leadership is more important than tenure length, drawing historical parallels to leaders like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela who served limited terms yet left enduring legacies.
The debate over Nigeria’s presidential term structure has garnered attention nationwide. Advocates argue a single six-year term could reduce political distractions and misuse of public funds seen during re-election campaigns, while critics, like Igbokwe, see the two-term system as essential for stability and effective governance.
This criticism highlights the growing political discourse ahead of the 2027 presidential election, reflecting divergent views on leadership duration and governance priorities in Nigeria.