By George Omagbemi
ABUJA — October 11, 2026. As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 presidential election, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have placed a four-year presidency at the centre of their political promises, presenting a single-term commitment as part of their appeal to voters.
Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), made the pledge at a party town hall meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, on October 10.
“Our government will not last beyond four years. And it will be an all-inclusive government,” he declared, promising to address insecurity, poverty, electricity shortages and other national challenges.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had made a similar commitment, pledging to serve only one four-year term if elected in 2027. He has also promised that Nigerians would begin to see tangible results from his leadership within the first year of his administration.
The two pledges raise a central question for voters: can a voluntary four-year limit offer a credible route to political accountability, national inclusion and a peaceful understanding of power rotation between northern and southern Nigeria?
President Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, is seeking re-election after his first term, which began in May 2023. His administration has defended its economic reforms, including petrol subsidy removal and changes to foreign-exchange policy, as necessary steps towards long-term stability.
However, opposition candidates have criticised the effects of those policies on household costs, alongside the government’s record on electricity, security and economic welfare. Makinde has specifically challenged Tinubu’s performance on electricity and questioned aspects of the administration’s energy policies. <Cite refs={[“turn571549search2″,”turn571549search3”]}/>
The one-term promise could appeal to voters concerned about power rotation and the concentration of political authority. But the pledge alone does not establish how either candidate would finance reforms, improve public services or deliver measurable results within four years.
A credible assessment will therefore depend on more than campaign declarations. Voters will need to examine each candidate’s policy proposals, implementation plans, funding arrangements and record in public office.
As the 2027 contest develops, the decisive issue will be whether candidates can translate their promises into practical improvements in electricity supply, security, employment, purchasing power and public accountability.
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