Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has cautioned politicians against promising to fix Nigeria within a single four-year presidential term.

Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television (August 31), El-Rufai specifically addressed remarks made by Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor, and Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State Governor.

Both men have, at different times, declared that they would serve only one term if elected president in 2027. Obi argued that four years would be enough to “reset Nigeria,” while Amaechi said he would step aside after one term to promote rotation and political stability.

But El-Rufai disagreed, stressing that four years is not nearly enough to bring about meaningful change in a country as complex as Nigeria.

“I don’t think anyone believes that. And frankly, as someone who has been governor for eight years—and Amaechi and Peter Obi have both been governors—they know the time it takes to make meaningful change in government. Four years is not enough,” he said.

He added that politicians often reverse such promises once in office and urged them to stop making pledges that are unrealistic.

“I want to appeal to everyone to stop making these commitments of ‘I will do four years’ or ‘I will do eight years,’ because nobody believes you,” El-Rufai said.

The former governor’s remarks highlight the debate over leadership promises and public trust as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections.