On Sunday, August 10, 2025, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) endorsed Mr. Peter Obi’s promise to serve a single four-year term if elected president in 2027, calling the former Labour Party (LP) candidate and Anambra governor a “man of honour” with a proven record of keeping promises. MBF National President Dr. Bitrus Pogu, speaking to Vanguard, emphasized that Obi’s integrity makes his pledge credible, not a tactic to sway Middle Belt support, though he noted Nigeria’s nationhood challenges hinder constitutional clarity on term limits. Pogu clarified he spoke for the Middle Belt, not the broader North, amid debates over North-South power rotation, with some arguing a southern presidency until 2031 disrupts zoning, per Daily Post.
Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement rallied momentum at the Oyo State Obidient Conference in Ibadan on August 9–10, 2025, themed “Going Forward 2027: A New Nigeria is Possible.” University of Ibadan linguist Prof. Francis Egbokhare described Nigeria as a “giant trampled by dwarfs,” criticizing governance marked by ineffective spending and propaganda, with ₦3.7 trillion in unverified subsidy savings in 2024 (BudgIT data). He urged restructuring the national mindset to prioritize integrity and dissent for electoral success. National Coordinator Dr. Tanko Yunusa reaffirmed Obi’s commitment to the LP despite its leadership crisis, dismissing defection rumors and highlighting Obi’s plan for a transformative single term, citing his Anambra tenure where education spending rose 30% (2006–2014). Oyo Coordinator Mr. Ayo Akinyemi called Obi the leader to drive change, urging unity. X posts from @ObiDientMedia (August 10, 2025) highlighted the conference’s energy, while @SaharaReporters noted concerns over INEC’s handling of LP’s candidate lists, reflecting ongoing electoral tensions.
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