Presidential adviser on information and strategy Bayo Onanuga has publicly questioned former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s pledge to serve only one term if elected president. In a post on his X account, Onanuga cited Obi’s political trajectory as evidence that the promise cannot be trusted.
Onanuga noted that Obi began his national political career in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), where he rose to prominence as governor of Anambra State. He recalled that, while with APGA, Obi famously declared his loyalty to the party, even swearing a personal oath that he would not abandon it. The adviser argued that Obi later left APGA to join the Labour Party, a move that, according to Onanuga, undermines the credibility of any subsequent commitment.
“If you believe Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term as president, you’ll believe anything,” Onanuga wrote. “Consider his record: while in APGA he placed himself under a self‑curse, vowing never to leave the party that made him governor. By his own actions, Peter Obi has shown that his word cannot be trusted. His promises are as fleeting as his political allegiances.”
The comments come amid ongoing debate about the future political landscape in Nigeria, where party switching is not uncommon and voter confidence in candidates’ stated intentions remains fragile. While Onanuga’s statements reflect a broader skepticism among some political observers, they have not been independently verified beyond the adviser’s own assertions.
Obi, who has denied any intent to break a one‑term promise, has not responded to Onanuga’s claims. The discussion highlights the challenges candidates face in reconciling past affiliations with present ambitions, and it underscores the importance of consistency in public messaging for any prospective head of state.
As the nation approaches the next electoral cycle, the scrutiny of candidates’ histories and promises is likely to intensify. Observers will watch whether statements such as Onanuga’s influence public perception or prompt further clarification from Obi and his campaign.
