Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has reiterated his commitment to tackling corruption within four years if elected president, stating that he remains untainted by election rigging or political violence.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi reaffirmed his pledge to serve only one term in office, emphasizing that a focused, four-year presidency would be sufficient to redirect Nigeria’s resources and restore accountability in governance.
“In four years we can confront corruption head-on, redirecting resources to priority areas,” he said.
“For instance, the trillions used to acquire new presidential jets and other unnecessary expenses at this time could have been channelled into education, healthcare, or infrastructure.”
Obi dismissed claims of political desperation, stressing that his ambition is not driven by personal gain but by a desire to serve with integrity.
“If the sacrifice required of me is four years of sincere, accountable leadership, so be it. I have never been desperate in the pursuit of power, or anything else, for that matter,” he stated.
The Labour Party presidential hopeful also challenged critics to investigate his political history, asserting that his record is free from electoral malpractice.
“Throughout my political journey, I have never been involved in thuggery, the snatching of ballot boxes, or any form of electoral malpractice,” he said. “I challenge anyone: conduct your investigations. You will find no stains of rigging or violence associated with my name. I have always chosen the path of peace, principle, and civility.”
Obi further distanced himself from behaviors he described as signs of political desperation.
“There are some traits associated with desperation, which in no way are in any of my political behaviours in the past and now, like engaging in overly aggressive rhetoric or actions to prove a point or gain attention, becoming overly defensive or reactive to criticism, often to the point of appearing paranoid. Making unrealistic or unfulfillable promises to win support or approval, resorting to personal attacks or character assassination to discredit opponents or frequently changing positions or policies to suit immediate political needs.”
His one-term promise has sparked mixed reactions. Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, reacted by saying any politician making such a pledge should undergo psychiatric evaluation.
In a similar vein, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga accused Obi of dishonesty, citing his past departure from the All Progressives Grand Alliance despite earlier assurances he would never leave the party.
