The Presidency has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for pledging to serve only one term in office if elected president in 2027.

Obi made the comment in a recent interview, saying he wants to be a one-term president for the sake of national stability. “I would not stay a day longer than four years, even with a gun to my head,” he stated.

The Presidency described the vow as unreliable, pointing to Obi’s political history of moving between parties  from APGA to PDP and later Labour Party  despite earlier commitments. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said Nigerians should not take Obi’s promise seriously.

The sharp response came hours after Obi’s interview went viral. Obi had also used the platform to criticise the current administration’s economic policies, including high borrowing and rising cost of living.

Obi’s supporters, including members of the Obidient movement, have defended the one-term pledge. They described it as a selfless move aimed at promoting unity and giving other regions a sense of belonging. Some see it as a way to build trust and encourage broader political participation.

The development has sparked fresh debate as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum. Many Nigerians are divided on whether a one-term pledge is realistic or merely campaign talk.

Peter Obi served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014. He was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, where he came third according to official results.

As the country prepares for the next general elections, statements like this are expected to dominate conversations. Political observers say such early positioning will shape alliances and strategies in the months ahead.

The Presidency maintains that performance and trust, rather than promises of short tenure, should be the focus of political discourse.