Peter Obi’s declaration to serve only one term if elected president in 2027 has sparked varied responses, especially from Northern political actors and groups. Former Governor Sule Lamido expressed openness to supporting Obi or any competent southern candidate, emphasizing that leadership should be about vision, not geography. The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) also showed a favorable stance toward Obi, citing his consistency and promise-keeping record, while noting the North’s limited options due to trust issues and internal political weaknesses.
However, some Northern leaders and organizations have rejected Obi’s one-term proposal, viewing it as a political strategy rather than a genuine commitment. Elder statesman Tanko Yakasai argued that President Tinubu, if re-elected, is constitutionally limited to one more term, making him a more reliable option for power rotation. Others, like the Arewa Defence League and Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, expressed deep mistrust, referencing past betrayals such as former President Jonathan’s failed one-term promise and warning against being deceived again.
Many Northern voices, including Anthony Sani and Bitrus Kaze, doubted the credibility of any one-term pledge, pointing to the deep-rooted political distrust in Nigeria. They argued that such promises often dissolve once power is secured, and emphasized that any candidate must earn support based on credibility and performance, not temporary regional arrangements. The idea of zoning and power rotation, once a mechanism for national unity, is now viewed by some as outdated and detrimental to democratic merit.
Despite the skepticism, Obi’s popularity is reportedly growing in Northern Nigeria. His supporters, like Alhaji Tanko Yunusa of the Obidient Movement, claim his one-term proposal and recent Northern traditional honors indicate rising acceptance. They see his track record and policy-driven politics as a refreshing shift, with his candidacy increasingly seen as a viable alternative in the 2027 elections. Whether this will translate into widespread Northern support remains to be seen.
