Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has cast doubt on the credibility of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term if elected president, citing his past political shifts as evidence of inconsistency. Onanuga’s comments come amid growing speculation about Obi’s political intentions following his recent defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The aide argued that Obi’s history of changing party allegiances undermines his current pledge, suggesting his word cannot be trusted.
Onanuga referenced Obi’s time in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), where he reportedly made a public vow of loyalty to the party, even swearing on his deathbed that he would never leave the party that made him governor of Anambra State. He pointed out that despite this solemn promise, Obi eventually left APGA, a move he described as a betrayal of his word. “If you believe Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term as president, you’ll believe anything,” Onanuga wrote in a post on his X handle, emphasizing the contradiction between Obi’s past actions and present assurances.
The presidential adviser further highlighted Obi’s pattern of moving across different political platforms over the years, suggesting that his political loyalty has never been fixed. He described Obi’s promises as “fleeting as his political allegiances,” reinforcing the idea that his current commitment to a single term may not be genuine. This criticism has sparked debate among political analysts and the public, especially as Obi prepares to run under a new party banner.
DAILY POST recalls that Obi officially defected to the NDC last week, joining forces with Rabiu Kwankwaso, who previously represented the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The two are expected to run on a joint ticket, with Kwankwaso as Obi’s running mate. The NDC’s National Convention, held in Abuja on May 9, officially zoned its presidential ticket to the South for a single term, with a commitment to return to the North in 2031. This strategic move is seen by many observers as an attempt to reassure Northern voters that Obi’s one-term pledge will be honored.
The political landscape remains fluid as the 2027 elections draw closer, and Obi’s credibility will likely be a central point of discussion in the coming months. His ability to convince voters of his sincerity, especially after years of party-switching, may ultimately influence his electoral prospects. The NDC’s decision to field him as their presidential candidate signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s political dynamics, and the nation will be watching closely to see how this new alliance unfolds.
Leave a Comment