Presidential aide questions former Anambra governor’s credibility as NDC unveils South-bound, single-term ticket for 2027 race

Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has openly challenged the credibility of Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term if elected president in 2027, pointing to what he described as a pattern of inconsistent political commitments.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Onanuga argued that the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s track record raises doubts about the sincerity of his latest pledge. He referenced Obi’s time in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), claiming the former Anambra State governor had once made strong declarations of loyalty to the party before eventually exiting.

Onanuga further alleged that Obi’s history of switching political platforms undermines trust in his assurances to Nigerians.

“If you believe Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term as president, you’ll believe anything,” he wrote.

Expanding his criticism, the presidential aide said Obi had previously made symbolic commitments to remain in APGA, including what he described as a “self-curse” and pledges of loyalty to late party leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. According to Onanuga, Obi’s eventual departure from the party contradicts those earlier vows.

The remarks come amid recent political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi recently defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) alongside former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Both politicians are expected to run on a joint presidential ticket under the NDC, with Kwankwaso positioned as Obi’s running mate.

At its national convention in Abuja on May 9, the NDC announced that its presidential ticket would be zoned to the South for the 2027 election cycle, with a single-term arrangement designed to return power to the North in 2031.