A member of the opposition coalition, Kenneth Okonkwo, has commented on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s pledge to serve only one term if elected.
He described the promise as a strategic political move aimed at gaining support from Nigeria’s northern region.
Okonkwo, a veteran actor turned politician, made the statement on Friday, while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
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He argued that Obi’s one-term pledge is intended to reassure voters that no region would be shortchanged in a potential administration.
“So I brought the theory as a way for any opposition party to inspire Nigerians to know that each side will not lose when they make any choice, whether north or south,” Okonkwo said.
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He further explained the historical context of the strategy, noting that it was first employed by former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
“So, it was even Atiku Abubakar that first of all said he was going to do one term, then Peter Obi now keyed into it because he knows that if he, as a younger person, does not make that promise, he loses the entire North,” Okonkwo added.
Okonkwo emphasised that Obi’s approach is purely a political calculation aimed at balancing regional interests.
“So it’s purely a political strategy to say, ‘Look, I am not going to cut the eight years. I’m not going to shortchange you.
“So if I am elected, I will just do only four years to complete the eight years of the South.’ So that’s just the whole idea about it,” he said.
The actor-politician concluded that opposition parties adopting such strategies can demonstrate fairness and unity, ensuring that voters across all regions feel represented.
