Yesufu: Obi committed to one-term presidency, likens him to Mandela

Activist Aisha Yesufu has reaffirmed that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is committed to serving only one term if elected president, drawing parallels between him and global icons like Nelson Mandela.

 

Speaking on Arise TV on Monday, Yesufu said she would personally oppose Obi if he reneges on that promise.

 

“If Mr Peter Obi gets into office and decides to do more than one term, I, Aisha Yesufu… will oppose him with everything in me, because he gave his word,” she said.

 

She disclosed that Obi had maintained the one-term position since 2022, adding that she initially challenged the idea but later demanded a fresh commitment from him after the 2023 elections.

 

“I need your word on this… Is it true you’re going to do just one term?” she recalled asking him.

 

According to her, Obi responded: “I told you even in 2023, and I still mean it… I don’t joke with my name. I don’t joke with my integrity.”

 

Yesufu said her confidence in Obi stems from what she described as his consistency and integrity, noting that his leadership outlook mirrors that of figures like Nelson Mandela and Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew.

 

“When he talks, you see him put himself in the likes of… Nelson Mandela… that a lot can be done in a country without you having to stay on and on,” she said.

 

She added that Obi’s one-term stance is rooted in the belief that leaders unconcerned about re-election are more likely to take decisions in the national interest.

 

“When you know you’re not coming back, you’re able to make decisions that work more for the nation,” she said.

 

Yesufu further expressed optimism that Obi could leave a lasting legacy if given the opportunity, saying he could be remembered as a transformational leader in Nigeria’s history.