Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has stated that political realities and pressure from powerful interests could make it difficult for Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to fulfil his promise of serving a single term if elected in 2027.
Peter Obi has repeatedly said he is willing to serve only four years if given the mandate. However, speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Friday, Governor Sule warned Obi and other aspirants not to underestimate the complexities of governance in Nigeria.
According to Sule, even if a president enters office intending to serve a single term, political forces can make it almost impossible to address Nigeria’s problems within 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 praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that it is taking steps to stabilise the economy and improve security.
He highlighted progress in boosting Nigeria’s foreign reserves to about $40 billion and increasing oil production from 1.1 million to 1.8 million barrels per day.
Sule acknowledged that insecurity remains a challenge, but urged state governors and local government chairmen to use improved revenues to ease the hardships faced by Nigerians.
“This is a government that is indeed going in the right direction,” he said.
“There are more resources now for both states and the federal government to fight insecurity. If the president doesn’t believe there are challenges, he wouldn’t admit it. I want leaders at all levels to use these improved revenues to touch the lives of people going through difficulties.”
