Lawyer and human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, has waded into the debate on Peter Obi’s proposal for a one-term presidency, challenging both the motive and practicality of the idea.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Sunday night, Farotimi stressed that this was not the first time the former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate had floated the idea. He insisted that Nigerians must interrogate Obi’s plans beyond political declarations.
“A man says he’s going to spend one term. One term to do what? That’s the question we should be asking,” Farotimi argued. “If I have a vision that can be contained within my lifetime, then it’s not a vision — it’s just an ambition. Real visions outlive you and may require generations to fulfill.”
Farotimi, however, acknowledged that a leader with a concrete agenda could deliver results within four years, provided the plans are already laid out. He criticized past administrations for wasting time in power without tangible achievements.
“Obasanjo had eight years — what did he do with them? Buhari had eight years — what did he do? He ruined Nigeria. Tinubu has spent just two years, yet he has dragged us back by 50 years,” Farotimi said.
According to him, governance is less about tenure length and more about the clarity of a leader’s vision.
Obi had recently reiterated his promise to serve only one term of four years if elected president, pledging to return power to the north in line with Nigeria’s zoning tradition. The proposal has sparked mixed reactions, with critics labeling him overly ambitious and others praising his political calculation.
