As preparations for the 2027 presidential election begin, many political leaders and groups in Northern Nigeria have reacted differently to Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term if elected president.
While some believe his offer is a good step toward unity, others fear it may be another political trick.
Lamido Open to Supporting Obi.
Former Jigawa State Governor and top PDP member, Sule Lamido, said he would support Obi if the planned coalition of opposition parties chooses him as their candidate. Although he made it clear that he remains a PDP member, Lamido said that leadership should not be about tribe or region, but about competence and vision. He also said the idea of zoning power between the North and South was created for peace after the annulled 1993 election, but it has now become a problem. “If the coalition picks Obi or anyone ready to rescue Nigeria, I will support them,” he said.
Middle Belt May Support Obi
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) believes the North has limited options and may need to back a Southerner like Obi, especially because of his record of keeping promises. MBF President Dr. Bitrus Pogu said the North might support Obi or even former President Goodluck Jonathan, since both have said they would serve only one term. “When there are few choices, people hold onto even small hopes,” Dr. Pogu said.
Skepticism and Doubts in the North.
Former Minister Ibrahim Nakande said the promise was simply political and questioned whether people from Obi’s region would even allow him to step down after one term.
Alhaji Muhammad Danlami, of the Arewa Youth Assembly, warned that the North had been deceived before, especially by Goodluck Jonathan, who also promised to do just one term but ran again in 2015. “We’ve seen this play before. The North won’t fall for such promises again,” Danlami said.
Some Call for Merit Over Zoning
The Arewa Defence League (ADL), led by Alhaji Murtala Abubakar, strongly disagrees with the idea of zoning or forcing a one-term presidency. He said Nigeria needs leaders based on merit, not regional deals. “The best candidate should win—North or South. Zoning leads to weak leadership,” he said.
Others Prefer Tinubu Finishes Two Terms
Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, an elder statesman, said if Nigerians want a Northern president, President Tinubu is in the best position to hand over in 2031 after completing two terms, as the constitution only allows two terms.
Peter Obi’s Support Growing in North
Despite the doubts, some say Obi’s popularity in the North is increasing. Tanko Yunusa, coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said Obi’s philanthropy and clear message have helped him gain support. “Even the Pantami Emirate in Gombe gave him a traditional title recently. That means a lot,” he said.
While Peter Obi’s promise of a single four-year term has impressed some groups, especially in the Middle Belt, many in the far North remain cautious. Memories of past unkept promises, especially from 2011, make it difficult for some leaders to fully trust him. As 2027 draws closer, it’s clear that the North remains divided over whether Obi’s promise is sincere or just another campaign strategy.