Obi’s one-term pledge unrealistic, Tinubu’s performance shambolic — Arewa Forum

The Arewa Consultative Forum has rejected the one-term presidency promise made by the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, describing the pledge as unnecessary, undemocratic and unconstitutional.

Speaking in an interview, the Forum’s National Secretary, Tukur Baba, argued that power rotation is not recognised by the Constitution and should not be elevated above democratic principles.

According to him, restricting a president to a single term on the basis of regional considerations undermines the essence of democracy and could encourage deeper divisions along ethnic and religious lines.

Baba maintained that if a leader performs effectively in office, Nigerians should be free to decide whether such a person deserves another term, irrespective of region or political arrangement.

He stated that Obi’s promise to serve only four years and hand over power to another region was unnecessary and could deprive the country of sustained leadership if his administration eventually records significant achievements.

The ACF spokesman stressed that the North’s primary concern remains good governance, security, economic stability and accountability, rather than the regional origin of any presidential candidate.

He also clarified that the Forum has not endorsed any candidate ahead of the 2027 election, insisting that its role is to analyse national issues and allow voters to make informed decisions.

On the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Baba delivered a harsh verdict, describing the administration’s record after three years in office as “shambolic.”

He criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, rising cost of living, taxation and infrastructure development, arguing that ordinary Nigerians have not felt the benefits of government policies.

According to him, banditry, kidnapping and terrorism remain widespread despite changes in the nation’s security architecture, while economic hardship has continued to worsen.

“The performance has been shambolic. The impact of government policies has been felt, but negatively,” Baba said.

He further expressed concern over rising public debt, persistent inflation and what he described as the erosion of the country’s middle class, insisting that Nigerians deserve better governance and stronger economic management.

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