Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a major sociopolitical organisation in northern Nigeria, has vehemently rejected the one‑term presidency pledge made by the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, while also passing a damning verdict on President Bola Tinubu’s three‑year performance in office, describing it as “shambolic”. In an exclusive interview with Sunday, 31 May 2026, the ACF National Secretary, Tukur Baba, declared that Obi’s promise to serve only four years if elected in 2027 and then hand over to the North is “totally unnecessary, undemocratic and contrary to constitutional principles”. The former Anambra State governor had stated on national television that he would serve just one term, adding that “even with a gun to my head” he would abide by that commitment and then allow power to return to the North.
According to Baba, a power shift based on regional rotation is not a constitutional provision but a matter for political parties to decide. He argued that institutionalising such an arrangement could deepen divisions in a country with about 400 ethnic groups and three major religions. “The more we stick to power shift, the more we embrace division among us,” he said. He also questioned Obi’s rationale, pointing out that a leader who performs excellently in his first four years would unfairly be denied a second term simply because of a campaign promise. “By him promising one term means he is likely not going to do his best. He is being unfair to the electorate,” Baba added. He accused Obi of acting “irresponsibly” and warned that such pledges only distract Nigerians from the core issues of accountability, security, education, healthcare and anti‑corruption efforts.
The ACF spokesperson was equally critical of the Tinubu administration. While he did not provide a detailed breakdown of the government’s failures, his description of the president’s performance as “shambolic” – used in the ACF’s official statement – reflects a growing dissatisfaction among northern stakeholders with the handling of the country’s mounting security and economic crises. The assessment came just over a week after armed bandits abducted 46 pupils, students and teachers from three schools in Oyo State, an attack that still remains unresolved. The ACF has previously criticised Tinubu for allegedly neglecting the North and failing to curb banditry, farmer‑herder violence and economic hardship affecting the region.
The ACF, however, clarified that it has no preferred presidential candidate and does not openly endorse any political party. “Our duty is to analyse and allow the electorate to decide,” Baba said. He emphasised that the forum is focused on promoting good governance, security and the welfare of citizens rather than backing any individual aspirant. The organisation’s stance adds to the growing debate over Obi’s one‑term pledge and what it means for regional power dynamics ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obi, who secured the NDC presidential ticket on 30 May 2026, has repeatedly insisted that he would not seek re‑election beyond a single term, arguing that four years are sufficient for a sincere leader to transform the country. His running mate, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, is from the North and would presumably be the natural successor under the arrangement. However, critics from across the political spectrum have raised doubts about the enforceability of such a promise, with the Presidency itself describing it as untrustworthy.
As the 2027 election cycle intensifies, the ACF’s double‑barrelled rebuke – rejecting Obi’s one‑term idea while branding Tinubu’s performance “shambolic” – underscores the depth of disillusionment among northern political elites. For the millions of Nigerians who continue to grapple with banditry, poverty and economic uncertainty, the ACF’s verdict may resonate far more than any campaign promise.
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