Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV on Monday, Yesufu likened Obi’s leadership outlook to that of former South African president Nelson Mandela, noting his willingness to serve, leave a legacy and step aside.
Yesufu says Peter Obi remains committed to serving only one term if elected president, stressing that she would oppose him if he reneges on that pledge.
She revealed that she extracted a firm commitment from the former Labour Party presidential candidate after the 2023 election, insisting he reaffirm a stance he had maintained since 2022.
“If Mr Peter Obi gets into office and decides to do more than one term, I, Aisha Yesufu, will oppose him with everything in me, because he gave his word,” she said.
Yesufu recalled initially disagreeing with Obi when he first made the one-term declaration in 2022 but later sought clarity after the election.
“I asked him directly to confirm it again, and he told me he still meant it and stood by his word,” she said, adding that Obi emphasised his commitment to integrity and consistency.
She expressed confidence that Obi would honour the promise, describing him as a leader focused on impact rather than prolonged stay in power.
According to her, Obi’s approach mirrors that of transformational leaders such as Lee Kuan Yew and Nelson Mandela, who prioritised long-term national development over personal political longevity.
Yesufu argued that leaders not burdened by re-election ambitions are more likely to take bold decisions in the national interest rather than actions driven by political survival.
She added that Obi’s vision is to build a Nigeria that endures, saying he hopes to be remembered for laying a strong foundation for future generations.
“Yes, he wants a Nigeria that works and one that people will look back on decades from now and recognise the role he played,” she said.
