Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the NDC, Peter Obi, has stated that he would be willing to serve only one term as president if elected, saying such a decision would be necessary for national stability and urgent reforms.
Obi made the remarks in a short clip from an interview shared on X by News Central TV on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, ahead of a scheduled programme hosted by broadcaster Kayode Akinyemi. During the interview, Obi was asked why he would consider being a one-term president if given the opportunity to lead the country.
Responding, the former Anambra State governor said his focus would be on stabilising Nigeria and addressing urgent national challenges within a limited period. “For stability. I will not stay a day, a day with a gun in my head longer than four years,” Obi said.
He also criticised the current economic situation in the country, alleging that the level of borrowing under the present administration had exceeded that of previous governments combined. “What we have now is only two years that somebody used to borrow more than all the previous governments put together,” he stated.
Obi further expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening economic and security conditions, arguing that the country’s global standing had declined significantly in recent years.n“It’s only two years that Nigeria have entered into the 100th country of the world,” he said.
The former presidential candidate also criticised the government’s response to insecurity, citing incidents of killings in different parts of the country. “A president of Nigeria can stay in Abuja and 200 people die in Jos or in Niger or in Benue. And you’re still sitting here,” Obi stated.
When asked what he would do differently if given the opportunity to govern, Obi said leadership requires direct engagement and effective intervention in national crises. “When you go to theatre and walk, you know how to contribute. So they’ve failed in everything,” he said.
He also referenced international support received by Nigeria during periods of hardship, mentioning Ukraine’s reported grain donations despite the ongoing war in the country. “I said Ukraine that is at war is donating green to Nigeria,” he stated.
Obi additionally criticised the handling of agricultural and food security issues, arguing that policy responses to crises affecting farmers had worsened the situation. “Look at what happened to us with our. Instead of intervening when there was a crisis, we went to import food, killed all the farmers,” he added….See More
