A prominent member of the opposition coalition, Kenneth Okonkwo, has shed light on the strategic intentions behind former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term if elected as President. According to Okonkwo, this pledge is a calculated move to garner support from the northern region of the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Okonkwo explained that Obi’s promise is driven by the need to secure votes from the northern region, which would otherwise be lost without such an assurance. Okonkwo, a veteran actor turned politician, argued that for any opposition party to successfully challenge an incumbent, it must be willing to make concessions, such as limiting its presidential candidate’s term in office. This approach, he suggested, would help alleviate concerns that one side might feel cheated in the electoral process.
Okonkwo noted that this strategy was initially employed by Atiku Abubakar, who also promised to serve only one term. By making a similar pledge, Obi aimed to reassure the northern region that his presidency would not deprive them of their turn in power, thereby ensuring a more equitable distribution of power. Okonkwo described this as a purely political strategy, intended to appeal to the northern region by guaranteeing that Obi’s presidency would not shortcut their opportunity to produce a president.
The significance of this strategy lies in its potential to influence the electoral landscape, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s regional power dynamics. By making such a promise, Obi seeks to build trust and secure support from key regions, which could ultimately impact the outcome of the presidential election. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this strategy will play out and whether it will yield the desired results for Obi and the Labour Party.
