Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has warned Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, that Nigeria’s political landscape poses significant challenges to fulfilling a one-term commitment as president.
Obi has consistently expressed his intention to serve only a single term if elected in 2027. However, during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Sule cautioned Obi and other candidates against underestimating the intricacies of governing Nigeria.
“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.’”
Sule emphasized that although a president may intend to serve only one term, the complexities of the role and political pressures often render it nearly impossible to implement even a portion of Nigeria’s necessary reforms within a four-year period.
Evaluating the current administration, Sule praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in addressing economic and security challenges. He highlighted the administration’s success in boosting Nigeria’s foreign reserves to approximately $40 billion and increasing oil production from about 1.1 million to 1.8 million barrels per day.
“This is a government that is indeed going in the right direction. The government is doing everything possible to bring back the future of this government,” he said.
“This government has worked very hard to improve our foreign reserve, which is somewhere around 40 billion USD today. The government has worked very hard to improve oil production from roughly 1.1 to about 1.8 million barrels per day. Yes, we are still having problems with insecurity. There are more resources available for both states and the federal government to fight insecurity.
“There are still challenges. I was there when Mr President himself said there are challenges, so I want the governors and local government chairmen, based on the improved revenues you’re getting, to touch the lives of people who are actually going through challenges.
“If the president doesn’t believe there are challenges, he wouldn’t say that.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli