By Our Correspondent
National News – Nigerian activist Aisha Yesufu has reaffirmed that former presidential candidate Peter Obi pledged to serve only one term as Nigeria’s president, stating she would strongly oppose him if he later decides to seek a second term.
Yesufu made this disclosure on Monday during an interview on Arise TV, where she explained that Obi personally assured her of the commitment after the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking during the interview, Yesufu said she had insisted on hearing the promise directly from Obi again after the election to ensure he remained committed to the position he had earlier declared in 2022.
According to her, the former Labour Party presidential candidate confirmed that he still intends to govern for only one term if elected president.
Yesufu explained that she told Obi she was putting her name and credibility on the line by repeating the pledge publicly.
She said Obi responded that he stands by his word and values his reputation for integrity.
She added that the assurance strengthened her belief that he would not change his stance if given the opportunity to lead the country.
The activist also warned that she would personally challenge Obi if he attempted to remain in office beyond one term.
She said her support for him was partly based on the belief that he wants to deliver reforms quickly and leave a lasting national legacy rather than remain in power.
Drawing comparisons with global leaders, Yesufu likened Obi’s leadership approach to that of Nelson Mandela, the former South African president who served only one term after the end of apartheid.
She also mentioned Singapore’s founding leader Lee Kuan Yew, saying transformative leadership does not always require prolonged rule.
According to Yesufu, leaders who are not focused on re-election are more likely to make decisions that benefit the country instead of political allies or power blocs.
She argued that freedom from electoral calculations can allow a leader to pursue bold policies for national development.
She further said Obi envisions building a Nigeria that future generations will admire.
If he fulfils that vision, she believes he could be remembered decades from now as one of the architects of modern Nigeria.
