Politicians are being labeled as desperate for promising only one term in office, according to Reuben Abati, who asserts that northerners will not find this idea acceptable.
Reuben Abati, a renowned Nigerian journalist, has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Peter Obi's proposal for a one-term government and the possibility of an Igbo presidency. Abati made these assertions while speaking on the Arise TV morning show on Monday, August 4, 2025.
In his criticism, Abati views Obi's promise to serve only a single four-year term as impractical, undemocratic, and symptomatic of political desperation disguised as altruism. He believes that a one-term government would be ineffective and a sign of desperation rather than a practical or altruistic strategy.
Abati doubts the effectiveness of a single-term presidency based on concerns about practicality and motivation. He perceives the one-term promise as more a political maneuver driven by a weak position than a genuine commitment to service. This contrasts with Obi’s position that a focused leader can implement transformative reforms within four years.
Abati also expressed doubts about the prospect of an Igbo presidency, stating that Northerners, who are already aggrieved with a Yoruba president, will not easily embrace the possibility of an Igbo president due to the civil war in Nigeria not being over. He believes that the unresolved contradictions in the country could be a barrier to an Igbo presidency.
Abati's opinions on these matters have been controversial. He has been involved in several public controversies in the past, including accusations of collecting money and doing big man politics. However, his latest statements have sparked a lively debate among political pundits and the general public.
It is worth noting that Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has proposed the idea of a one-term government. The one-term government proposal was made in conjunction with other members of the opposition coalition.
Abati's assertions highlight the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the 2023 presidential race in Nigeria. As the campaign season heats up, these issues will undoubtedly continue to be topics of discussion and debate.
[1] "Reuben Abati: Peter Obi's One-Term Government Proposal is a Sign of Desperation." The Guardian, August 5, 2025. [2] "Obi Proposes One-Term Government, Stirs Controversy." The Punch, August 5, 2025. [3] "Abati: Igbo Presidency Faces Challenges due to Unresolved Contradictions." The Nation, August 5, 2025. [4] "Abati: One-Term Government Proposal is Unrealistic and Undemocratic." Vanguard, August 5, 2025.
- The controversial journalist, Reuben Abati, has criticized Peter Obi's proposal for a one-term government, viewing it as impractical, undemocratic, and symptomatic of political desperation.
- In an interview on Arise TV, Abati expressed doubts about the effectiveness of a single-term presidency, perceiving it as more a political maneuver driven by a weak position than a genuine commitment to service.
- Abati also raised concerns about the possibility of an Igbo presidency, suggesting that unresolved contradictions in the country could be a barrier to this occurring due to lingering issues from the civil war.
- Abati's statements have sparked a lively debate among political pundits and the general public, with his opinions on these matters garnering controversy, particularly due to past accusations of collecting money and doing big man politics.
- The General News outlets, The Guardian, The Punch, The Nation, and Vanguard, have reported extensively on Abati's assertions, highlighting their implications for the 2023 presidential race in Nigeria and ongoing discussions about policy and legislation in politics.
