By Jeremy Fregene
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that his motivation to become Nigeria’s President is rooted in a desire to see Nigeria work, not personal ambition.
The former Anambra State governor made the statement via his official X handle yesterday.
Also yesterday, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Ulasi, threw his weight behind Obi on his four-year term pledge, saying Obi is a sincere politician, who will not renege on his promise.
Obi, who reiterated his commitment to serving only one term if elected president, stated that four years is sufficient to turn Nigeria around if leadership is driven by genuine service and not personal ambition.
He said he finds it baffling that his one-term pledge is generating widespread debate, stressing that a sincere leader can achieve significant progress within a single four-year term.
The former Anambra State governor also challenged anyone to investigate his past political campaigns, maintaining that he has never been involved in electoral malpractice, thuggery, or ballot box snatching.
He said: “I still find it baffling that my decision to do a term of four years, if given the mandate to rule this country, is generating so much agitation. By this feeling, we are doubting the fact that a sincere leader can achieve much in 48 months.
“I have never been desperate in the pursuit of power, or anything else, for that matter. 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.
“Throughout my political journey, I have never been involved in thuggery, the snatching of ballot boxes, or any form of electoral malpractice. 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.
“In four years, we can confront corruption head-on, redirecting resources to priority areas. 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.
“Within the same period, we ensure that the rule is sacrosanct and the rule of law is strictly followed. Within the same period, we can conduct free, fair, and credible elections.”
On his part, Ulasi, who spoke in an interview on Arise TV yesterday, said Obi’s promise should not be doubted, describing him as an honest person.
Ulasi said, “I believe Peter Obi’s words are sincere. Unlike the usual crop of politicians in Nigeria, he is honest. The constitution guarantees only a four-year term, which can be renewed by the people.
“Obi has not said anything out of the ordinary; he believes he can accomplish a great deal in those four years.”