Activist, Aisha Yesufu, likened former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to Nelson Mandela, noting that they share a similar mindset of public service, legacy-building, and stepping aside afterward.
According to her, she secured a firm commitment from Obi after the 2023 presidential election, urging him to reaffirm a stance he had maintained since 2022.
“If Peter Obi assumes office and chooses to go beyond one term, I, Aisha Yesufu, will resist him with everything I have because he gave his word,” she stated.
She recalled initially challenging Obi’s one-term position when he first made the declaration in 2022.
“At the time, I told him, ‘Sir, you can’t be serious. You can’t say you’ll serve just one term and leave,’” she said.
However, following the election, Yesufu said she revisited the issue and insisted on a renewed assurance from him.
She added that she envisions Obi being remembered as a transformative figure in Nigeria’s history possibly even as the father of a modern nation of he follows through on his plans.
“I asked him directly to confirm it again: ‘You said this before, but I need your word, are you truly going to serve only one term?’” she recounted.
In response, Obi reportedly reaffirmed his position, stressing his commitment to integrity and consistency.
“He told me he had said it before and still meant it, adding that he does not take his name or integrity lightly and stands by his word,” she said.
Yesufu expressed confidence that Obi would honour the pledge, describing him as someone who keeps his promises.
She noted that part of her admiration for him stems from his desire to make a lasting national impact rather than hold on to power. She also compared his outlook to that of Lee Kuan Yew and Mandela.
“When he speaks, you see that he aligns himself with leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and especially Nelson Mandela—people who proved that meaningful change could happen without clinging to power indefinitely,” she said.
According to Yesufu, Obi’s one-term stance is rooted in the belief that leaders who are not preoccupied with re-election are better positioned to make decisions in the national interest.
“When you know you won’t be seeking another term, you are more likely to prioritize decisions that benefit the country, rather than those influenced by political calculations or the need for future support,” she added.
About The Author
