Nigeria’s First-Term Debacle: Through Peter Obi’s Spectrum and the Emergence of a True Democrat

The Nigerian democratic experience, now in its third decade, continues to raise questions rather than answers. At the centre of this democratic uncertainty is a recurring reality: the consistent failure of elected leaders especially governors and presidents to deliver meaningful governance in their first term. Rather than being a springboard for development, the first term in Nigerian politics is often defined by confusion, excuses, power struggles, and calculated silence.

Across Nigeria’s political landscape, first-term leaders treat governance as a preparatory ground not for service, but for consolidating influence and scheming toward a second term. This article examines the widespread failure of first-term leaders in Nigeria, evaluates Peter Obi’s unique approach to governance, introduces the exceptional strides of Governor Alex Otti in Abia State, and compares the Nigerian situation with practical examples of successful democracies around the world.

In most functioning democracies, elected officials hit the ground running in their first term. But in Nigeria, the first term is often a season of waste. Politicians spend more time appeasing political godfathers, assembling loyalists, building personal wealth, and laying the groundwork for re-election than they do governing.

Promises made during campaigns are quickly forgotten. National development plans are abandoned. Public offices become tools of settlement and patronage. The result is stagnation, frustration, and growing distrust between citizens and the state.

This crisis is not new. It is a pattern. From the federal to the local level, governance in the first term of many Nigerian politicians has lacked urgency, direction, and commitment. And this continues to fuel public scepticism about the value of democracy.

When former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi entered the national consciousness, he arrived with a different tone. His time as governor, between 2006 and 2014, offered Nigerians a glimpse into what responsible, focused leadership could look like in Nigeria.

Obi’s model of leadership was marked by frugality, strong fiscal discipline, an emphasis on education and infrastructure, and a deep sense of accountability. While others governed with impunity and borrowed excessively, Obi saved for the state, resisted wasteful spending, and insisted on value for money in every project.

He was removed from office multiple times and reinstated by the courts, but never lost focus on the people. That approach became the bedrock of the Obidient movement, which disrupted the traditional power structure in the 2023 elections.

Peter Obi may not have won the presidency, but he won something more enduring: public trust. He proved that leadership in Nigeria doesn’t have to be corrupt, flamboyant, or wasteful. His rise demonstrated that a true democrat is one who governs with integrity, even in the face of resistance.

If Peter Obi set the bar, then Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is demonstrating that the ideal is possible, even in the harsh realities of today’s Nigeria.

Within just two years in office, Dr. Otti has shattered long-held assumptions about what first-term governors can achieve. From his very first day in office, he began addressing the root problems of governance in Abia rebuilding broken institutions, Prioritizing infrastructure, restoring workers’ dignity through prompt salary payments, and ending the era of phantom projects and political impunity.

Dr. Otti’s approach is anchored on transparency, meritocracy, and fiscal responsibility. His government has embarked on massive road construction/reconstruction and urban renewal programmes, ensured the revitalisation of moribund public hospitals/healthcare restored integrity to public procurement through due process, and taken decisive steps to attract investment into the state. His administration has also made youth empowerment and SME development key areas of focus.

Unlike many governors who wait until the third year to commence visible projects, Dr. Otti made it clear from the onset that there was no time to waste. His model mirrors the same urgency and prudence associated with Peter Obi and it is being felt directly by the people of Abia.

By demonstrating competence and clarity of vision in his first term, Governor Otti is reversing the Nigerian narrative. In Abia, at least, the first term is no longer a write-off. It is an opportunity seized.

To properly understand the democratic failure in Nigeria, one must look outward at nations where democracy has taken root and functions for the people.

In Sweden, Finland, and Norway, democracy is built on a deep social contract. Leaders are held to high ethical standards. Institutions work. Corruption is rare. In these countries, first-term leaders are driven by measurable performance, not re-election ambition. Government is seen as a service to society, not a reward for election victories.

In these countries, healthcare works, education is free, infrastructure is reliable, and leaders live modest lives. They are judged by results, not rhetoric.

Though far from perfect, America has built resilient institutions over time. The presidency, congress, and judiciary operate under strong checks and balances. Civil society is vibrant. Media is active and often adversarial. Citizens vote not just based on tribe or religion, but on issues.

First-term American presidents are closely watched. Barack Obama in 2009 had to manage a global recession from day one. Joe Biden inherited a divided country during a pandemic and responded swiftly with economic and healthcare plans. The difference? Institutions, accountability, and national interest above personal ambition.

Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew is another example. Though not a textbook democracy, the country prioritized leadership competence. Public office holders are appointed based on merit. First-term ministers are expected to perform or resign.

The Singapore model shows that what matters most is leadership that delivers not endless political noise or showmanship.

Nigeria’s democratic problem is not a lack of elections. It is a lack of leadership.

Elections are held regularly, but the elected rarely act in public interest. After winning, most officials surround themselves with praise-singers and loyalists who shield them from the reality of public expectations. State resources are deployed to secure second terms rather than deliver services.

The civil service is politicized. The judiciary is often seen as compromised. Law enforcement becomes a tool of intimidation rather than justice. Instead of governance, what Nigerians experience is a toxic mix of propaganda, ethnicity, nepotism, and cronyism.

In effect, Nigeria runs a form of democracy without democrats where the letter of democracy exists, but the spirit is missing.

Why First-Term Failure Persists. Several factors contribute to the failure of first-term leadership in Nigeria:

1. Weak institutions: There are no real consequences for failure in office.
2. Lack of ideology: Most political parties have no clear principles. Politicians switch parties for personal gain.
3. Ethnic politics: People vote based on identity, not capacity.
4. Judicial compromise: Courts often fail to uphold electoral justice.
5. Poor civic education: Citizens do not fully understand their rights or how to demand accountability.

This situation has created a dangerous democratic fatigue. Citizens are beginning to doubt not just politicians, but democracy itself.

Peter Obi’s approach presents a direct contrast to Nigeria’s prevailing political culture. His public statements, lifestyle, and policy priorities reflect an understanding of democracy as service.

In Alex Otti, Obi’s ideals find further expression. Otti is not just implementing reforms in Abia; he is proving that transformative leadership is possible within Nigeria’s existing structures. He is also setting a standard that may force other governors to either shape up or face the wrath of an increasingly aware and empowered electorate.

Their examples may well serve as the blueprint for rebuilding democracy in Nigeria.

Democracy remains the best form of government, but only when it is practiced by true democrats. Nigeria has suffered enough from false starts, wasted mandates, and first-term failures.

The time has come to redefine leadership. First terms must be for performance, not preparation. Leaders must lead from day one. Citizens must wake up. Institutions must rise. And the few shining examples, like Peter Obi and Alex Otti, must be studied, supported, and replicated.

Only then can Nigeria truly begin the journey from democratic failure to democratic fulfilment.



Oluebube A. Chukwu PhD, writes from Umuahia