Obi Responds to Soludo’s Attack on One-Term Pledge, Evokes Mandela

In a continuation of their political rivalry, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his predecessor, Peter Obi, have publicly clashed over the issue of one-term pledges by politicians.

During a rally in Ekwulobia, Soludo warned voters not to trust any politician who promises to serve only one term, calling such a vow “deceptive” and suggesting that those who make it “should be examined in a mental hospital.” Although he didn’t name anyone directly, his remarks appeared to target APC gubernatorial candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu and Peter Obi, both of whom have publicly promised to serve a single term.

In a swift response posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi reaffirmed the sincerity of his one-term vow and cited international figures like Nelson Mandela and John F. Kennedy to validate his position.

“Mandela served only one term, despite immense pressure to continue. That was leadership—power must serve the people, not personal ambition,” Obi wrote. “History shows that long tenures often breed corruption in Africa. What matters is purposeful service, not longevity.”

Obi also addressed growing skepticism around his promise. “Our society is so broken that trust is now scarce. But I am not like others. My record speaks louder than the doubts of cynics,” he said.

He continued: “If making such a promise requires psychiatric evaluation, then maybe we should question the mental fitness of those who drafted our Constitution, which clearly provides for a four-year renewable term.”

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The clash has reignited speculation about both politicians’ presidential ambitions, particularly regarding the 2031 race. Political observers suggest Soludo views Obi’s potential 2027 run as a direct threat to his own aspirations of becoming Nigeria’s first Igbo president.