THE BURDEN OF RULING NIGERIA AND THE CASE FOR A SINGLE TERM: THE PETER OBI EXAMPLE
By Sir Jude Evans Mbachu, in Port Harcourt
(Political Analyst writes to Mr. Peter Obi)
Writing this piece has not been easy. I’ve wrestled with many thoughts about leadership in Nigeria, particularly what legacy a president leaves behind after serving their tenure. How does a president make their supporters proud enough to campaign for another candidate without relying on rigging? These questions form the basis of this article.
To some, governing Nigeria appears easy. Our people are known for resilience and joy despite hardship. Politicians often make vague promises—build roads without specifying how many kilometers or allocating resources properly. Even when only 7% of the project is completed, it gets commissioned. Supporters applaud, and any criticism is met with hostility.
To others, Nigeria remains a complex nation to govern. Many presidential candidates fail to clearly articulate their policies. They make sweeping promises—construct roads, build hospitals, pay salaries, and more—without concrete plans or timelines. I once held this view until a shift occurred with the entrance of His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi into the 2023 presidential race.
Leadership Should Be Measurable
A serious presidential candidate should present facts. For instance, how many kilometers of federal roads exist in Nigeria? What percentage is motorable? What will it cost to rehabilitate or construct the rest, and what is the phased implementation plan over their tenure? This level of clarity allows voters to hold them accountable.
We must also return to the essentials of governance: food, water, shelter, clothing, and health. These should not be afterthoughts but the foundation of every candidate’s policy.
Healthcare, Housing, and the Economy
The state of Nigeria’s healthcare system is shameful. We build primary health centers without doctors, equipment, electricity, or medication. A presidential candidate must propose practical solutions—not vague intentions—to reverse the brain drain of medical professionals and improve our health infrastructure.
On housing, how do we solve the shelter deficit among the masses? Will the government invest billions in controversial mega projects or reallocate funds to create sustainable, affordable housing across the country?
These are not rhetorical questions—they are central to rebuilding this nation.
From Consumption to Production
Peter Obi’s economic mantra—”from consumption to production”—resonates deeply with many Nigerians, including myself. We are blessed with arable land, natural resources, and a large population. We can boost agriculture, create clusters for processing agricultural products, and build export capacity.
Why can’t we plant improved rubber trees or palm trees across thousands of hectares in the South, with built-in processing facilities? Why can’t we tap the potential of yam, millet, or rice in the North for both local consumption and global export?
Beyond Essentials: A Full Agenda
While food, shelter, and healthcare are primary, they are not enough. A competent candidate must also address:
Education and teachers’ welfare
Electricity and infrastructure
Electoral reforms
Youth and police welfare
Corruption and insecurity
National unity and foreign relations
Peter Obi brought these discussions to the fore. He energized the youth. I, too, once supported Tinubu, having been a member of ACN. But in 2023, I supported Peter Obi because he was, in my view, the most prepared candidate from the South.
However, I had—and still have—fears.
The Dilemma of the Igbo Presidency
Nigeria has approximately 193,000km of federal roads, with only 60,000km paved—and most of those are deteriorating. Can any president, even Peter Obi, fix this in just four years?
If Obi contests again and loses, it could politically sideline the Igbo nation until 2039. If he wins, will he only serve one term while other regions served two? Can he overcome the entrenched power dynamics, especially when the North may not fully trust him, despite his integrity?
Concerns About Alliances and Strategy
I am wary of his alliance with figures like Nasir El-Rufai, whose political shifts raise questions. How will Obi deal with a flawed electoral system, the intimidation tactics, or the financial muscle of political juggernauts?
Tinubu, the incumbent, is a master strategist. He understands the game and has vast networks and resources. He successfully rebranded the merger of PDP and APC—now dubbed “PDAPC”—and fulfilled many of his campaign promises, even the difficult ones.
Peter Obi, how will you confront such a political titan?
A Personal Plea: Two Proposals
Do Not Run in 2027
Don’t be swayed by public sentiment. You can lead without contesting. Influence the national conversation. Keep this government on its toes. Help position the Igbo nation for a real shot in 2039. If you take this path, history will remember you not just as a candidate, but as a statesman.
You can help Labour Party groom another candidate—perhaps Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed. He has integrity and broad appeal. Even if he doesn’t win, he’ll lay a solid foundation for 2031.
Run in 2027, but Be Ready for the Burden
Should you decide to contest again, be prepared. The burden will be enormous. How will you fix our highways, increase lecturers’ salaries, fight corruption, or revive the health and education sectors? How will you rekindle hope in just four years?
A Closing Reflection
Your survival of a near-plane crash reminds me that perhaps fate has preserved you for something greater—whether as President or as a moral force shaping Nigeria’s future.
Please, if you haven’t already, revisit the family of that young boy in Plateau who took his life after the election. Visit again—with your core supporters. Let them see you continue to lead with empathy.
You have already redefined what a credible presidential campaign looks like. You shattered ethnic stereotypes. You proved an Igbo man can win across Nigeria—Edo, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and even Abuja.
You are, as your supporters say, Okwute—the Rock. Whether or not you contest in 2027, you have already earned your place in Nigeria’s political history.
The same way you visited that great lady in Benin who is a symbol of Peter Obi in all ramifications my candid advice is if there’s no electoral reform, let’s not make those who will rig the election in 2027 a hero. Let’s present Datti Ahmed to make him a formidable force and a President in the waiting in 2031.
