Chekwas Okorie Clarifies Peter Obi’s One‑Term Pact Is Personal
Elder statesman Chekwas Okorie has dismissed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi one‑term agreement, describing it as a personal commitment that does not bind the Igbo people.
Speaking to The Nation, Okorie explained that after Obi’s single term, power would be handed to the North in line with the party’s internal arrangement, but he stressed that the pact reflects Obi’s own stance, not a consensus of the Southeast.
He emphasized that a personal political promise differs from a decision reached through collective agreement, and therefore the deal does not restrict the presidential ambitions of other Igbo politicians beyond 2031.
Okorie noted that Obi never claimed to speak for the Igbo when he entered the agreement, pointing out that he had long declared his intention to serve only one term.
He added that Obi was not alone in making such a pledge; the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar had also publicly vowed to serve a single term if elected.
Drawing a parallel, Okorie recalled former President Goodluck Jonathan, who faced similar accusations of a secret one‑term understanding with northern leaders, although Jonathan never confirmed or denied the allegation.
Okorie said he was not surprised that Rabiu Kwankwaso asked for a written agreement before accepting to be Obi’s running mate, noting that many northern supporters viewed Kwankwaso as having stronger presidential credentials.
Nevertheless, he observed that in the 2023 election Obi outpolled Kwankwaso, making the pact easier for Obi to honor given his prior one‑term declaration.
The former APGA national chairman clarified that if the NDC decides to zone its presidential ticket to the North after Obi’s term, that remains an internal party arrangement and does not bar Igbo politicians from other parties from seeking the presidency in 2031.
He highlighted prominent Igbo figures with presidential ambitions, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and Minister of Works David Umahi, noting that they remain free to contest regardless of the NDC’s internal commitment.
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