Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has taken a hard swipe at politicians who promise to serve only one term in office, describing such pledges as irrational and insulting to the intelligence of voters.
Speaking at a rally in Anambra South on Saturday to drum up support for his second-term bid, Soludo strongly criticised the trend, calling it a “gimmick” and questioning the mental fitness of those making such promises.
“Any politician who says they will serve only one term needs psychiatric evaluation,” Soludo said. “When the constitution clearly permits a maximum of eight years, why would anyone say they want just four? You’re either being dishonest or assuming people are fools.”
The governor, who has been vocal about sustaining the zoning arrangement in the state, argued that the Anambra South region should not disrupt the agreed power rotation.
“There’s zoning in Anambra. After I serve eight years, power goes to Anambra Central. Anyone contesting from Anambra South is attempting to break that consensus,” he warned.
‘No Room for Illiterates in Government’
Soludo also condemned those vying for political office without the educational qualifications or experience to lead.
“Some of them don’t even have secondary school certificates, yet they want to govern a sophisticated state like Anambra,” he said. “Anambra has no place for touts or unqualified individuals masquerading as leaders.”
A Subtle Jab at Peter Obi and Others?
Though he didn’t name names, Soludo’s comments appeared to be a direct response to recent remarks by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra governor, who said he was ready to serve a single four-year term if elected president.
During an interview with Channels Television on July 6, Obi stated that:
“One term is enough to establish that good governance is possible… I don’t need a day more than four years.”
Obi cited equity, zoning, and the urgency of Nigeria’s challenges as reasons for his stance, insisting that a serious leader could make visible progress within four years.
Similarly, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has advocated for a constitutional amendment to adopt a single six-year term for elected officials as a way of improving governance and reducing electoral tension.
Soludo’s Message to Voters
In his rally speech, Soludo urged voters to be wary of empty promises and populist rhetoric.
“Telling people what they want to hear just to get elected is deception. Anyone who’s serious about governance will work with the time constitutionally provided — and make every day count,” he said.
Soludo is currently serving his first term as Anambra State governor and has made clear his intention to seek re-election in line with the two-term limit allowed by the Nigerian Constitution.
