Egajivwie Frank Odiri
When Peter Obi loudly proclaims that he will only serve one term of four years if elected president, it sounds virtuous—until you examine the dangerous history of Nigerian politicians who make sacred vows only to break them at the altar of ambition.
Nigerians have heard these kinds of promises before—and been betrayed by them.
The Jonathan Parallel: A Broken Northern Pact
In the buildup to the 2011 election, President Goodluck Jonathan gave a gentleman’s assurance to Northern political leaders that he would not seek re-election in 2015. That promise was meant to respect the North’s rotational expectation after the death of President Yar’Adua. Like Obi today, Jonathan spoke of national unity, sacrifice, and transitional leadership.
But by 2014, all that changed. He reneged, contested, and plunged Nigeria into one of its most heated political crises—fracturing alliances, undermining trust, and fueling long-standing regional suspicions that continue to haunt the country today.
Now, Peter Obi is borrowing from the same playbook: package a one-term promise as a noble sacrifice, when in reality it is a strategic seduction—especially aimed at the skeptical North. It’s a move to appear as a safe transitional candidate, a Southern leader who won’t “hold on to power” for long. But history warns us: once power is tasted, the vow quickly becomes inconvenient noise.
The Ojukwu Betrayal: Another Sacred Promise Broken
Peter Obi talks about integrity, yet he famously broke his vow to the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu—the man who gave him his political platform under APGA. Obi swore—yes, swore—he would never abandon the party Ojukwu labored to build. It was a solemn pledge rooted in loyalty and brotherhood.
But as soon as his ambition outgrew APGA, Obi defected to the PDP. Then, when he couldn’t secure the presidential ticket there, he jumped again, this time to the Labour Party.
How does a man who broke his vow to the dead now expect us to believe he will keep a vow to the living?
It is not just hypocrisy—it is political fraud wrapped in moral packaging.
A Pattern of Deceit, Dressed as Purity
Let’s be clear: Peter Obi’s “One-Term” pledge is not a moral stand; it is a desperate political tactic. He is saying to the North: “Don’t fear my presidency—I’ll step aside quickly and return power to you.” It is a code-switch disguised as a national vision.
But just like Jonathan, who once claimed not to be interested in extending his stay, Obi too will find a justification to stay beyond four years. He will cite unfinished reforms, the will of the people, the need for continuity—the usual excuses of political incumbents.
Nigerians must remember: every president who broke a promise once said, “Trust me.”
Conclusion: Don’t Be Deceived Twice
Peter Obi says his vow is sacrosanct. But so was his vow to Ojukwu. So was Jonathan’s promise to the North. So are many things politicians say when they are still begging for votes.
When the cameras are off and the real game begins, they all reveal the same hunger for power—masked by borrowed humility.
The North must not be swayed by temporary assurances.
The South must not be blinded by emotional loyalty.
And Nigeria must not, once again, walk into a well-polished trap.
Peter Obi is not different. He is only better branded. But a lie wrapped in soft tone and clean shirts is still a lie.
Trust, once broken, is hard to rebuild. And Obi has already broken it—twice.
