NDC Chieftain Faults Kalu Over Criticism of Obi’s Single-Term Presidency Proposal

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Agubuzu, has criticised Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu for opposing Peter Obi’s proposed four-year presidential tenure, urging political leaders to prioritise Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Daniel Momodu · November 2, 2026 · 7

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Barrister Peter Agubuzu, has faulted Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, over his criticism of a proposal for the South-East to accept a single four-year presidential term.

Agubuzu described Kalu’s remarks as misplaced, arguing that the immediate concerns of Nigerians were economic hardship, rising living costs and the need for effective leadership.

Kalu had reportedly criticised South-East stakeholders advocating a single four-year presidential tenure for the region, following a proposal attributed to the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) women’s rally in Enugu on Saturday, Kalu said the Igbo people could not afford to wait 60 years to produce a Nigerian President who would serve for only four years.

Reacting, Agubuzu urged the Deputy Speaker to focus on addressing the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians rather than debating how long the South-East might wait to produce a President.

He argued that Obi’s proposal was based on the need to transform Nigeria’s economy from consumption to production and lift millions of citizens out of poverty.

Agubuzu maintained that Nigerians were more concerned about their livelihoods, survival and the future of their children than regional calculations surrounding presidential tenure.

He further argued that the single-term proposal should be considered within the broader context of national unity, equity and political inclusion.

The NDC chieftain urged political leaders to pay greater attention to citizens’ economic concerns and concentrate on practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

The debate follows Obi’s pledge to serve only one four-year term if elected President in 2027, with the proposal linked to an understanding that presidential power would return to Northern Nigeria in 2031.

The arrangement has generated differing reactions among political stakeholders, particularly over its implications for regional representation and the rotation of presidential power.