Ex-Lawmaker Dismisses Peter Obi’s One-Term Promise as Political Gimmick

Cletus Obun Mbia, a former lawmaker and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized Labour Party’s Peter Obi over his recent pledge to serve only one term if elected president in 2027, describing the vow as a hollow political stunt.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, recently stated that he would serve for just four years if elected, citing leaders like Nelson Mandela as examples of purposeful and time-limited leadership. However, in an interview with Trust TV on Tuesday, Mbia dismissed the comparison, arguing that Obi lacks the legacy and stature of the former South African president.

“He keeps referencing Mandela. But Mandela didn’t need to make any announcements—his life of sacrifice and leadership spoke for itself,” Mbia stated. “A lion doesn’t need to roar to prove it’s a lion. You can’t fold an umbrella and call it a walking stick—it simply doesn’t work that way.”

Mbia also took aim at Obi’s signature slogan of moving Nigeria from “consumption to production,” calling it unsubstantiated rhetoric. He questioned Obi’s record in industrial development, accusing him of having no tangible investment in production-based ventures.

“He buys and sells—where is the factory? Where’s the proof of production? Even in his home state, where’s the technical or vocational legacy?” Mbia asked. “He boasts about WAEC results, but what comes after that? How does passing WAEC translate to national production?”

Furthermore, Mbia criticized Obi’s governance style in Anambra, particularly his handling of local government elections. He accused the former governor of undermining grassroots democracy by failing to conduct local elections throughout most of his tenure.

“In eight years, he only conducted local government elections in his final year in office—how is that empowering the people?” he queried.

Mbia concluded by suggesting that Obi’s campaign is more about political ambition than genuine reform, adding that the APC would tackle such issues more forcefully when the 2027 campaign season officially begins.

“For now, let’s not give him undue attention. Obi is not someone we can trust with leadership,” he said.

Obi’s one-term promise has become a flashpoint in early 2027 election debates, drawing both applause from supporters who see it as a sign of selfless leadership and criticism from opponents who view it as a calculated move for attention.