Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has faulted Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term of four years if elected president in 2027, saying the Igbo cannot afford to take such a risk.
Okorocha described Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, as a fantastic gentleman with a clear head but argued that his one-term proposal was not the best option for the South-East.
Obi had pledged to serve for only four years if elected in 2027 and return power to the North at the end of his tenure.
Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, following his victory at the Federal High Court over the authentic All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial ticket for Imo West, Okorocha said the Igbo should prioritise strategic political alliances.
“Obi is a fantastic gentleman, clear in his head. Oh, there’s nothing wrong with him. But we can’t gamble. We can’t do a four-year gamble this time,” he said.
Okorocha admitted that he had supported the idea of a single-term presidency in the past but insisted that the political circumstances had changed.
The former governor said political support should be based on strategic interests rather than emotions or public declarations.
“So we are supporting Tinubu, not on an emotional or sentimental basis, but for a strategic alliance,” Okorocha said. He said political choices, particularly when seeking greater opportunities for an Igbo presidency in the future, have far-reaching implications.
Okorocha maintained that the region should be able to negotiate political support based on its interests, rather than gamble on a single-term arrangement.
He also stated that he intended to engage political stakeholders on the matter, expressing confidence that they would listen to his position.
“I have not spoken to anybody, but I will speak, and they will hear me. They will listen to me,” he said.
