Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has criticized politicians who pledge to serve only one term in office, describing such promises as illogical and deceptive. He said any politician making that kind of commitment “should be taken to a psychiatric hospital.”
Soludo made the remarks on Saturday during a rally in Anambra South, where he was endorsed for a second term by political supporters.
“How can anybody with a functioning brain say that?” Soludo queried.
“Do you think you’re speaking to fools? You come before people and declare, ‘I will only serve one term.’ Any politician who says that should be taken to a psychiatric hospital. Something must be wrong with the person.”
While Soludo did not mention anyone by name, his comments appeared to be a veiled response to Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, who recently expressed willingness to serve a single term if such a condition were necessary under a power-sharing or coalition arrangement.
Obi had said during a live X Space conversation that he would not hesitate to leave office after one term if an agreement dictated so.
“If there is any form of agreement that will restrict me to four years in office, I will comply with the agreement and be ready to leave office on the 28th of May, 2031—not the 29th, but the 28th,” Obi had stated.
He also clarified that while he is in ongoing talks with various political actors, he has not entered into any joint ticket discussion, including with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, is expected to seek re-election in 2025. His comments add to the intensifying political discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political alliances, zoning debates, and reform pledges emerging as key themes.
The governor argued that the Constitution provides for two terms and that pledging otherwise misleads the electorate.
“The Nigerian Constitution allows two terms. Why deceive the people? Politics should be based on performance and service, not theatrics,” he said.
As Nigeria’s political climate heats up, Soludo’s statement underscores the growing tensions and strategic posturing among political heavyweights eyeing future leadership.
