Femi Otubanjo, a research professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, has dismissed the suggestion of a single-term presidential deal between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as pure hogwash. He shared his perspective during an appearance on the Arise Television Morning Show this Wednesday.
Rabiu Kwankwaso previously claimed he reached an understanding with presidential candidate Peter Obi to serve only one term should their party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, emerge victorious in the 2027 polls. Under this arrangement, Obi would lead while Kwankwaso serves as his deputy.
Otubanjo argued that a new president would likely spend the first two years of their term understanding the complexities of governance. Once that period ends, the administration would immediately pivot toward securing re-election, which he believes would stifle effective policy implementation. He noted that the plan lacks credibility, particularly for Northern interests, as it relies on a non-binding verbal pledge from a candidate who has yet to hold the office.
Highlighting the difference between this scenario and the current administration, the professor noted that President Tinubu is already constrained by term limits, which creates a clear path for power to shift in 2031. Ultimately, Otubanjo concluded that a single-term commitment is an impractical strategy for any serious Nigerian presidential contender.
