2027: ‘One Term, Serve You Food’ Talk is Desperation – Reuben Abati Slams Peter Obi
Media personality and former presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati has criticized Labour Party’s Peter Obi over his recent pledge to serve only one term if elected president, calling it a desperate political move.
Speaking during an Arise Television program on Monday, Abati responded to a viral video in which Obi promised to do a single term and “serve Nigerians food.” Abati dismissed the comment, saying it reflects desperation rather than sincerity.
Obi’s one-term remark has sparked widespread debate, with Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo among those who have publicly rebuked him.
Despite the backlash, Obi has stood by his statement, asserting that he would only need one term to transform Nigeria if given the chance.
But Abati urged Nigerians to look beyond gimmicks and judge politicians by competence. “Any politician that comes to you and says, ‘I will do only one term,’ that is a sign of desperation. It will not work,” he said.
He also mocked Obi’s symbolic gestures such as serving food at parties and washing plates, suggesting they are not substitutes for effective governance.
“Just like the gambit about serving food and doing boy-boy at parties that should be left to event organizers,” he added.
Abati concluded that Nigeria’s true progress lies in voters prioritizing merit over religion, ethnicity, or emotional appeals. “When Nigerians vote for competence regardless of where someone is from or their religion, that’s when the country will move forward.”
