Former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, has publicly criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, over his recent remark that he would serve only one term if elected president.
In a viral video from Monday’s “Arise Television” program, Abati described Obi’s one-term vow as a “sign of desperation.” He argued that such a promise, along with others like “I will serve you food,” would not resonate with Nigerians.
Obi’s statement has drawn mixed reactions, including criticism from the incumbent Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo. Despite the backlash, Obi has stood by his position.
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Abati urged the public to be wary of any politician who exhibits what he perceives as desperation, suggesting that such signs are not in the best interest of the nation.
He said: “What I am saying is that any politician that comes to you and says that I am going to do only one term, that is a sign of desperation.
“It will not work. Just like the gambit about serving food and carrying plates or doing boy-boy at parties that will be better organised by event organisers. It is also a sign of desperation; it will not work,” he said.
He added that Nigeria will progress when the Nigerian people put competence above religion, region, and other sentiments.
“If Nigerian people are politically educated to a point where they can vote for a competent person regardless of where he comes from or his religion, that’s when the country will begin to move forward.
“So, all this ‘I will do one term, I will serve you food,’ that’s not going to work,” he said.
