Former Labour Party campaign spokesman Kenneth Okonkwo has described Peter Obi’s recent declaration to serve only one term if elected president as a tactical move aimed at maintaining political balance between Nigeria’s North and South.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Okonkwo explained that Obi’s pledge was designed to reassure northern voters that their region will not be marginalized. He said Atiku Abubakar initially floated the idea of a single term, and Obi adopted it to minimize fears of prolonged southern dominance.
“If I am elected, I will serve just four years—to complete the eight years of the South,” Okonkwo stated, emphasizing that this positions the opposition candidate as equitable in power sharing.
He added that any credible opposition campaign must adopt such a model to avoid alienating any region and maintain national cohesion. Failure to do so, according to Okonkwo, risks being perceived as unfair or partisan.
Obi confirmed his intention to contest in the 2027 presidential race during a recent X Spaces session, reiterating his commitment to a four-year, single term focused on stabilizing the nation.
