Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has formally proposed to the new opposition alliance a single four-year term.
Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, reportedly verified the development on Tuesday.
Tanko made the revelation at a ceremony in Pantami, Gombe State, where the district head of Pantami, Mai Martaba Abdullahi, gave Obi the traditional title of “Sarki Maskan” (War Hero) and a letter of commendation for his humanitarian efforts in the area.
Obi’s previous media assistant was also honored, being given the title of “Dan Maje Babba Pantanmi.”
Tanko confirmed to Punch on the sidelines of the event that the high-level coalition, which consists of notable opposition leaders like former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been presented with Obi’s proposal for a four-year term.
“We have shown it to the coalition,” Tanko stated. It is there so they can decide. However, we are certain that it can succeed.
Peter Obi is a living example of integrity, which is the foundation of this declaration. Nigeria urgently needs honest leaders.
According to him, Obi feels that a single four-year tenure will be enough to begin Nigeria’s change and revitalize the country’s faltering economy.
Tanko stated: “Obi has made it apparent that he intends to serve only one term, despite the fact that the constitution does not specify this. He thinks he can complete his mission in four years.
Under Obi’s direction, Tanko continued, resolving Nigeria’s electricity crisis alone would “solve a multitude of problems,” including increasing domestic production and reducing need on outside help.
He declared, “He is promising that Nigeria will once again become an exporting nation under his leadership.” Our airports will no longer be deserted due to airplanes.
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Why, After Years of Refusing Honors, Obi Accepted Pantami’s Title
Tanko also spoke on Obi’s choice to accept the Sarki Maskan title, pointing out that the honor is especially meaningful because it comes from a Muslim community in the north.
“Obi is not a man who pursues titles,” Tanko clarified. However, this one is unique… It originated from a northern village honoring an Igbo guy for his influence and charity.
“It is a testament to Obi’s increasing popularity across the country, particularly in the North, where he was not as popular in the 2023 elections.”
As evidence of his popularity at the grassroots level, the Obidient organizer pointed to Obi’s community projects in Northern Nigeria, such as the installation of boreholes and school interventions in Almajiri.
“Today, there is clean water in Pantami for both people and animals. “Go get me water from Peter Obi’s borehole,” the locals now say. That indicates a change, he said.
According to Tanko, Obi has won over populations who were previously thought of as politically remote by encouraging entrepreneurship among young people in the north and making personal donations to poor schools.
Tanko concluded by calling Pantami’s acknowledgment a sign of changing political allegiances and speculating that the North would be receptive to Obi’s message in advance of the 2027 elections.
