By Derick Peretengboro

A reported agreement by the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to serve only one four-year term if elected in the 2027 presidential election has generated differing opinions among northern socio-political organisations and legal experts.

The debate intensified after Obi’s running mate and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, disclosed during a television interview that the party’s presidential candidate had signed a written commitment to step down after a single term. According to him, the arrangement was designed to allow the presidency return to the North in line with the party’s zoning principle if the NDC wins the election.

Kwankwaso expressed confidence that Obi would respect the agreement, describing it as part of the party’s internal political understanding ahead of the 2027 polls.

However, the reported pact has divided opinion across the North.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) rejected the arrangement, describing it as inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution and driven by political calculations. The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad Baba, argued that the Constitution only provides for a renewable four-year presidential tenure and does not recognise private political agreements limiting a president to one term. He maintained that zoning remains a party policy rather than a constitutional requirement and said no group has the authority to negotiate presidential succession on behalf of any region.

Baba further noted that if an elected president performs well, nothing in the Constitution prevents such a leader from seeking re-election. He urged Nigerians to focus on electing competent leaders instead of political arrangements centred on succession.

On the other hand, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) welcomed the reported commitment, saying it supports the principle of power rotation. The forum’s spokesman, Luka Binniyat, said the arrangement could pave the way for the presidency to return to the North in 2031, with the Middle Belt producing the region’s next president. He argued that the area deserves the opportunity after years of political dominance by other northern interests.

Legal practitioners also questioned the enforceability of the alleged agreement. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Abdul Balogun stated that the Constitution alone determines presidential tenure and that no private political understanding can override its provisions.

Another lawyer, Hillary Omoh, described the arrangement as a political understanding without legal force, while legal practitioner James Ekwe said any commitment of that nature would ultimately depend on the personal integrity and willingness of the office holder to honour it after assuming office.

The controversy has added another dimension to discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential election, with opinions remaining sharply divided over whether such political agreements can influence Nigeria’s constitutional democratic process.