Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state, says he will not spend more than four years in office if elected as president in the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement shared on his official X page on Sunday, Obi described the one-term pledge as “sacrosanct”.

According to him, his commitment to serve for only one term stems from a firm belief in purposeful, accountable leadership — not prolonged tenure.

“Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as president of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer,” he said.

“His decision was a deliberate act of leadership, a statement that power must serve the people, not the self.”

Referencing historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, Obi said a short time in office can still produce transformational impact.

He warned that many African leaders have become corrupted by long years in power.

“It is within this context that I reiterate my vow: I will serve only one term of four years if elected president. And that vow is sacrosanct,” he said.

Obi acknowledged public scepticism about his promise, noting that critics often compare him to other politicians who have failed to keep their word.

He said one such critic went as far as suggesting a mental evaluation for anyone making such a commitment.

“I understand the basis of their skepticism. They are judging me by their own standards – where political promises are made to be broken,” he said.

“But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth. I have a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation.”

Recalling his time as Anambra governor, Obi said he fulfilled his campaign pledges without deviation — from education and healthcare reforms to infrastructure and prudent fiscal management.

“In my political life, my word is my bond. When I entered politics in Anambra state, I made clear and measurable promises to the people: to improve education and healthcare, to open up rural areas through road construction, and to manage public funds with prudence,” he explained.

“I fulfilled each of those promises without deviation. I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable as a result of honouring my word.”

Obi maintained that a single term is sufficient for any leader with a clear vision and commitment to results.

“My vow to serve only one term of four years is a solemn commitment, rooted in my conviction that purposeful, transparent leadership does not require an eternity,” he stated.

He argued that doubting the feasibility of a four-year tenure is no different from questioning the logic of the constitution itself, which provides for renewable four-year terms.

Obi vowed not to exceed a day beyond his four-year commitment if elected, stating that “leadership should be impactful, not eternal”.

He said his administration, if elected, would focus on overhauling the governance system, fighting corruption, and addressing insecurity through efficient resource deployment