Peter Obi Offers One-Term Presidency Deal to Coalition Ahead of 2027 Elections

Peter Obi has formally proposed to serve only one term if elected president in 2027, a move seen as a bold political strategy and a show of integrity within the newly formed opposition coalition challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate submitted the proposal to the coalition leadership for review, according to Obidient Movement National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko.

The former Anambra State governor declared on Monday, July 1, that any Southerner assuming power in 2027 must respect Nigeria’s rotational power-sharing principle by exiting office by May 28, 2031. This stance, he said, would help maintain national balance and restore public trust in leadership.

Obi’s one-term offer comes as the opposition alliance—which includes Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir el-Rufai—adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their electoral vehicle for the 2027 general elections. The decision followed delays from INEC in approving their initial application for the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

Tanko described Obi’s submission as “a pronouncement rooted in integrity” and emphasized that the coalition is reviewing it carefully. “We are confident it can work. Obi’s consistency and credibility give weight to this proposal. This is not about politics; it’s about building a new kind of leadership culture,” he stated.

While a one-term presidency is not constitutionally mandated, Obi reportedly believes that four years is sufficient to implement urgent reforms in critical sectors. His offer, analysts suggest, could also help soothe North-South tensions and reposition the opposition as the moral alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The coalition’s decision to adopt ADC was finalized in a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, July 2. Key players have expressed optimism that this union of seasoned political forces could produce a credible challenge in 2027, much like APC did in 2015.

Political observers say Obi’s proposal may place pressure on other coalition leaders to make similar sacrifices. As the race for 2027 heats up, the one-term pledge has become a litmus test for sincerity in a political era clouded by broken promises and failed reforms.