Isaac Fayose Rebukes Soludo Over One-Term Remark, Cites Nelson Mandela as Example of Selfless Leadership
Political commentator Isaac Fayose has publicly condemned Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, following Soludo’s controversial statement that any politician vowing to serve only one term needs “psychiatric evaluation.”
Governor Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, recently made headlines for insisting that no rational politician would voluntarily choose to serve a single term, suggesting that such a stance should raise mental health concerns.
In response, Fayose countered the remark by invoking the legacy of the late South African President Nelson Mandela, who chose to step down after just one term in office despite public calls for him to continue.
“There was a man Nelson Mandela who did just one term,” Fayose said. “When asked to return, he said, ‘I am weak, but my spirit is with you. Let someone else lead.’ It’s not everyone that wants to lead for eight years. Eight years of no future…”
Fayose criticized Soludo’s assertion as misguided and shortsighted, arguing that true leadership isn’t measured by how long one stays in power but by the quality of their impact within the time given.
The exchange has sparked heated debates online, with many Nigerians weighing in on the issue:
@Mavel_Tee: “That Soludo is moving like an Agbero, you would never guess he’s a professor. Politics is indeed a dirty game.”
@Momonny1: “The problem is that Obi is not Mandela.”
@nonsoufo1: “Mandela also created a new constitution in four years and handed it over to parliament. You only need 200 days to show impact.”
The discussion comes amid renewed focus on term-limit pledges ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially following Peter Obi’s one-term commitment if elected president.
