Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has advised Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, that the political realities of Nigeria often make it difficult for a president to stick to a one-term promise.
Obi has previously stated his willingness to serve a single term if elected in 2027.
Speaking on an Arise Television program, Sule warned Obi and other political aspirants not to underestimate the complexities of governing Nigeria.
He argued that even if a president intends to serve for a limited time, the political landscape and pressure from various interest groups make it almost impossible to address the nation’s many problems in just four years.
“Peter Obi might say he wants to do one term, but it is not up to him,” Sule said.
“Once he assumes office, powerful interests will pressure him, saying, ‘It’s our turn; you cannot do that to us,’ ‘we cannot allow you to do that,’ and ‘we will take you to court if you do that.'”
The governor also commented on the current administration, praising President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to stabilize the economy and enhance security.
Sule highlighted the recent increase in Nigeria’s foreign reserves to around $40 billion and a rise in oil production from 1.1 million to 1.8 million barrels per day.
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He added that President Tinubu has acknowledged ongoing security challenges in the north and has urged state and local government leaders to use their improved revenues to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens.
“This is a government that is indeed going in the right direction. The government is doing everything possible to bring back the future of this government,” Sule said.
“This government has worked very hard to improve our foreign reserve, which is somewhere around 40 billion USD today.
“The government has worked very hard to improve oil production from roughly 1.1 to about 1.8 million barrels per day. Yes, we are still having problems with insecurity. There are more resources available for both states and the federal government to fight insecurity.
“There are still challenges. I was there when Mr President himself said there are challenges, so I want the governors and local government chairmen, based on the improved revenues you’re getting, to touch the lives of people who are actually going through challenges.
“If the president doesn’t believe there are challenges, he wouldn’t say that.”
