Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has reaffirmed that he would only serve a single term if elected president in 2027, in keeping with Nigeria’s zoning agreement between the North and South.
Speaking during a Twitter Space session hosted by Parallel Facts on Sunday, Obi reiterated his commitment to equity in power rotation, a principle he said he has long upheld.
“If you take the arrangement which is, understandably, what you can call an unwritten agreement that power would go south and north, and if that arrangement is to be followed strictly, you would see that anybody, not just me, who happens to come from the south as president in 2027 must be ready to leave on the 28th of May (not 29th), 2031.”
Obi emphasized his consistent stance on zoning, referencing his political record in Anambra State.
“I campaigned for zoning. I championed zoning in Anambra State. That is one of the reasons today some people feel we must deal with this man. I insisted on it, I maintained it and I followed it to the last letter, and till today, I still follow it religiously.”
He also vowed to protect the democratic process by discouraging political defections and ensuring vibrant opposition.
“My presidency will ensure there is a strong opposition in party politics. There will be no defection of elected officials to other parties when I am in charge.”
Obi expressed concern over the state of leadership in the country, criticizing what he described as misplaced priorities in the face of national crises.
“Imagine in this country, people are dying in Benue, Borno, [and other parts of the country], and our leaders are commissioning bus stops and holidaying.”
Clarifying his position on political coalitions, Obi distanced himself from alliances focused solely on gaining power.
“If the coalition is about sharing tickets and power for its sake, count me out. I’m not interested. I want a coalition that stops the killings in Borno, puts food on people’s tables, and gets our industries working.”
