Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has openly criticized the proposal by 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi to serve a single term if elected in 2027. Both men, who are part of a new opposition coalition, have reportedly promised to step down after four years to pave the way for a Northern president in 2031.
A Single Term is Not Enough
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics” program, El-Rufai, who recently stated he has no political ambitions, dismissed their promises as unrealistic. He argued that as former governors, both Amaechi and Obi are well aware that four years is insufficient to bring about meaningful change.
“Amaechi and Peter Obi are former governors, and they know that at least you need eight years to make meaningful changes,” El-Rufai said.
The former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister also advised members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to prioritize strengthening their party’s structure over their personal presidential ambitions for now.
The Political Context
Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi are reportedly vying for the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket as part of a new alliance formed to challenge the current administration of President Bola Tinubu. Their single-term promise is seen by some as a strategic move to garner support from the Northern region. However, El-Rufai’s comments cast doubt on the feasibility of this political strategy, suggesting that true governance requires more time than a single term allows.
