Politics

APC Chieftain Dismisses Obi’s One-Term Pledge, Questions His Leadership Track Record

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 9th, 2025.

APC Chieftain Dismisses Obi’s One-Term Pledge, Questions His Leadership Track Record

Peter urges followers to remain calm

A prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former lawmaker, Cletus Obun Mbia, has cast doubt on Peter Obi’s recent commitment to serve only one term if elected president in 2027. Mbia described the pledge as nothing more than a political stunt lacking substance.

Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, recently stated that he would lead for just four years if given the mandate, drawing inspiration from global icons like Nelson Mandela to highlight the importance of purposeful leadership within a limited timeframe.

But during an interview with Trust TV on Tuesday, Mbia challenged the credibility of the comparison, arguing that Obi’s political and governance record falls short of the legacy left by the late South African leader.

“Referencing Mandela is misleading,” Mbia said. “Mandela didn’t need to tell the world he was doing one term. His entire life was a testament to sacrifice and service. Leadership spoke through his actions, not his declarations. You don’t rebrand an umbrella as a walking stick and expect people to be convinced.”

He went on to criticize Obi’s well-known campaign mantra of moving Nigeria “from consumption to production,” suggesting it lacks real-world evidence of implementation.

“Peter Obi speaks of production, yet we’ve never seen him produce anything,” Mbia remarked. “He trades, he invests—but where are the factories? What industries has he built? If he believes in production, why didn’t he establish even one manufacturing plant or technical school that delivers practical skills in Anambra during his tenure?”

Mbia also took aim at Obi’s claims about improving education outcomes, questioning the broader impact of his policies.

“He talks about topping WAEC charts. Fine. But how does passing WAEC translate to economic productivity? What tangible output came from technical or vocational training in the state?” he asked.

Further, the APC chieftain accused Obi of undermining democratic principles at the local government level, pointing out his failure to conduct local council elections for most of his time in office.

“For eight years, he denied local governments the chance to elect their leaders. It was only towards the end of his administration that he held elections,” Mbia said. “Is that the model of grassroots empowerment he talks about?”

Concluding his remarks, Mbia suggested that Obi’s presidential bid is driven more by personal ambition than by a genuine desire to serve. He added that the APC will thoroughly scrutinize Obi’s record once the 2027 campaign season formally kicks off.

“When the time comes, we will tackle these issues head-on. Right now, giving him airtime only amplifies a message we believe lacks merit. Obi is not someone Nigerians should place their trust in,” he stated.

Obi’s one-term vow has stirred significant conversation ahead of the 2027 elections. While many of his supporters view it as a bold and focused leadership promise, critics like Mbia see it as a calculated move to stay in the spotlight.

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