IPAC Chair Yabagi Sani Questions Peter Obi’s One-Term Vow, Highlights Northern Presidency Expectations for 2027 [VIDEO]

Questions are beginning to emerge regarding the credibility of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his recent claim that he would govern for just a single term if elected president in 2027. Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television’s morning show, The Morning Brief, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yabagi Sani, expressed skepticism about Obi’s promise, casting doubt on the likelihood that such a pledge would hold firm once real political power is attained.

According to Sani, the complexities of Nigeria's political terrain and the ever-shifting dynamics of governance make it difficult for such commitments to be taken at face value. He argued that historical precedents in the country have shown how power often transforms even the most well-intentioned leaders once they enter office.

Obi, who served as Governor of Anambra State and was a major contender in the 2023 presidential elections, recently engaged with his followers via a Space session on X (formerly Twitter). During the conversation, he made a surprising declaration, saying he would adhere to a single four-year term if Nigerians elected him president in the next general election.

Despite this assurance, Sani believes Obi's declaration does not align with the prevailing expectations within the political landscape, particularly in northern Nigeria. He pointed out that the current political rotation model suggests that power should shift to the North after the South has had its turn. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a southerner from the South-West under the All Progressives Congress (APC), will have completed his first term by 2027 and is anticipated to seek re-election, which, if successful, would extend the southern presidency to eight years.

Sani emphasized that by 2027, the logic of rotational power would reasonably call for a transition to a northern presidency. Any deviation from this expectation, he warned, could result in political tensions, especially if a southerner like Obi contests and wins. According to him, such developments might stir sentiments in the North, where many feel the presidency should return after a southern-led government.

Speaking candidly, Sani stated, “Yes, Mr Peter Obi can agree to say: ‘I am going to do one term,’ but the northerners will tell you that after Bola Tinubu’s term, if he gets the second election, it should come to the north.”

He went further to note that human behavior under the influence of political power is unpredictable. “We are human beings. Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” he said. He also dismissed any notion that Obi is an exception to this historical trend, asserting that no politician, regardless of their public image, is immune to the temptations that come with political office.

Referring to Nigeria’s history of constitutional manipulation, Sani recalled how several administrations have attempted to extend their stay in power, sometimes by exploring controversial constitutional amendments or leveraging the influence of incumbency. He cautioned that even those who promise reforms often find themselves caught in the web of political expediency once they assume office.

According to him, “Peter Obi is not a saint. He is not somebody who is from another planet. We have seen successive governments trying to see how they can turn the constitution around and give themselves a third term and things like that.”

Sani also drew attention to the structural realities of Nigerian politics, noting that factors such as state capture, ethno-regional sentiments, and the power of incumbency create barriers that make such one-term promises highly questionable. He argued that even with the best intentions, navigating these entrenched power structures is no easy task.

He added, “This is why it would be difficult for a lot of people to believe Mr Peter Obi that after one term, he would leave. And then how would he even succeed if you look at the sentimental aspect of it, the state capture, and power of incumbency.”

As political permutations continue ahead of the 2027 elections, the debate over the zoning of the presidency and the credibility of candidate promises is expected to intensify. With President Tinubu aiming for re-election and northern politicians pushing for a return of power to their region, Obi’s campaign—if it materializes—will likely face formidable resistance not only from rival parties but also from regional sentiments.

The unfolding scenario sets the stage for another potentially contentious election cycle, where trust, regional equity, and political history will play significant roles in shaping public opinion. Whether Obi’s promise will gain traction or be dismissed as mere political rhetoric remains to be seen.