The Middle Belt Forum has expressed confidence in former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s integrity, affirming their belief that he would honor his promise to serve only a single term if elected president in 2027.
MBF National President Dr. Bitrus Pogu stated that Obi’s track record as a man of honor gives the Forum no reason to doubt his commitment.
“We believe Peter Obi is a man of honour and we believe that if he gets the win and he promises or promised something, he will keep to it,” Pogu said. He emphasized that the Middle Belt trusts Obi’s pledge was made in good faith, not as political deception.
While clarifying he spoke solely for the Middle Belt region, Pogu critiqued Nigeria’s political culture: “We are where we are because we are not yet a nation. That is why several factors have continued to hold us back from attaining the dreams of our founding fathers.”
The MBF leader argued that presidential term limits should be constitutionally determined rather than influenced by regional interests.
“Otherwise, how many terms one would occupy an office ought to be determined by the constitution and the electorate,” he noted, while maintaining confidence in Obi’s integrity.
Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement continues gaining political traction, as demonstrated during its Oyo State conference in Ibadan themed “Going Forward 2027: A New Nigeria is Possible.” University of Ibadan linguist Prof. Francis Egbokhare delivered a stark assessment of Nigeria’s condition, describing the nation as “a giant lying prostrate, trampled by dwarfs.”
He warned against superficial political strategies, stating: “Confusing ways and means with strategy is a terrible error. Do not play a game you have neither mastered nor can control; change the game or change the rules.”
Egbokhare emphasized the need for fundamental mindset restructuring: “The first order of business is to restructure the mindset, because to win elections without it is to perpetuate the same failures.”
He called for governance based on integrity and productive dissent, stressing that “good intentions are not enough. We must plan well, execute with discipline, and love what we preach.”
Obidient Movement National Coordinator Dr. Tanko Yunusa dismissed rumors about Obi leaving Labour Party, clarifying: “For the point of clearance, Mr Peter Obi is a member of Labour Party.” He reaffirmed Obi’s 2027 presidential bid and single-term commitment: “If elected, he will provide Nigeria with a single term of purposeful leadership…one term to set the tone, restore hope, and pass the baton.”
Oyo State Coordinator Mr. Ayo Akinyemi described the conference as a strategic unification point for members seeking national transformation. “We genuinely seek change in Nigeria and recognise that the country’s political and socio-economic challenges require collective determination,” Akinyemi stated, positioning Obi as the credible leader capable of driving this change.
