The Labour Party leader says scrapping re-election bids will refocus governance; Bauchi governor urges his return to PDP.
In a renewed call for political reform, former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi has advocated for a single, non-renewable five-year presidential term in Nigeria—arguing it will end the culture of governance distracted by re-election politics.
Speaking in Bauchi on Friday during a courtesy visit to Governor Bala Mohammed, Obi drew parallels with South Korea’s governance model, insisting Nigeria should adopt a similar approach to strengthen focus, accountability, and results in leadership.
“If I have the opportunity, we should stop having a second tenure for president. It should be five years straight, so leaders come in knowing they have a job to do,” Obi said. “Today, people spend their first year settling in and the remaining years strategising for re-election. We must stop it and face the real job.”
A 2027 Vision Without Re-Election Ambitions
Obi, who has signalled his intention to contest again in 2027, pledged that—if elected—he would serve only one term, even if the constitution still permits re-election.
“I won’t spend a day longer than four years in office,” he declared, adding that his broader reform plan includes strengthening political party structures so they are “bigger than the president and governors” to foster discipline, internal democracy, and institutional order.
This approach, he argued, would reduce the over-centralisation of power in individual office holders and promote party-driven governance rather than personality-driven politics.
Bauchi Governor’s Counterpitch: ‘Come Back to PDP’
In his response, Governor Bala Mohammed seized the moment to extend a political olive branch—urging Obi to return to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where he previously belonged.
“We want you to come back to PDP. There are plans, desires, and strategies. Politics in Nigeria cannot be done with ego, differences, and personal interest,” Mohammed said, calling for opposition forces to harmonise ahead of future elections.
His remarks hint at the undercurrents of political realignment that could shape Nigeria’s 2027 electoral landscape, especially among opposition parties seeking to challenge the ruling APC.
Why Obi’s Proposal Matters
Nigeria’s current presidential system provides a four-year term renewable once. Critics argue that re-election politics distorts governance priorities, leading to underperformance in first terms and excessive political spending in campaigns.
Obi’s proposed five-year single term mirrors models in countries like South Korea, Mexico, and the Philippines, which limit the presidency to a single tenure to reduce political instability and the influence of incumbency on elections.
Proponents believe this could:
- Improve policy continuity within a fixed timeframe.
- Reduce political corruption tied to re-election campaigns.
- Shift focus from electoral survival to national development goals.
However, opponents caution that a single term could also encourage leaders to exploit their limited time in power without fear of accountability to the electorate.
The Political Chessboard Ahead of 2027
Obi’s position also sets the tone for the kind of governance narrative he intends to champion in 2027—centred on institutional reforms, political discipline, and performance-driven leadership.
Governor Mohammed’s invitation to rejoin the PDP adds another layer to Nigeria’s evolving opposition dynamics, hinting at possible coalition-building to mount a united challenge against the ruling party.
As the 2027 race begins to take shape, Obi’s advocacy for tenure reform could become a defining talking point—forcing Nigeria’s political establishment to debate whether the nation needs longer terms without re-election or a deeper overhaul of the political system altogether.
