Presidency dismisses Peter Obi’s one-term pledge, calls Lincoln, JFK comparisons misleading

The Presidency has criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent one-term pledge ahead of the 2027 elections, describing his historical references as inaccurate and misleading.

Obi had taken to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday to vow that, if elected president in 2027, he would serve only one term. He cited global figures like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela as inspirations behind what he called a “sacrosanct” commitment.

However, in a swift rebuttal posted on Monday via his own X account, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Obi’s comparisons, insisting they don’t hold up to historical scrutiny.

“Lincoln, at the time he was assassinated, had finished his first term, had won re-election, and had been sworn in for a second term,” Onanuga wrote. He noted that Abraham Lincoln began his presidency on March 4, 1861, was re-elected in November 1864, and was inaugurated for a second term on March 4, 1865, before being assassinated on April 15 that year.

Onanuga also took issue with Obi’s mention of John F. Kennedy, clarifying that the U.S. president was unable to complete even one full term. “John F. Kennedy came into office on January 20, 1960, and was assassinated on November 22, 1963, before the end of his first term,” he stated.

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Acknowledging that Nelson Mandela did indeed serve only one term as South Africa’s president, Onanuga contended that Mandela’s choice was influenced by age, not a campaign promise.

“Mandela’s example might be more appropriately recommended to Obi’s rival for the opposition ticket, who will turn 81 by 2027,” Onanuga added, in a pointed remark that appeared to reference another prominent opposition figure, Atiku Abubakar.

While Obi has not made a formal declaration to run for office in 2027, his recent public statements and growing visibility have continued to stir speculation about his political intentions.

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