2027: Ado-Iliyasu Says One-Term Leadership Reflects Integrity, Compares Peter Obi's Service Philosophy To Mandela's Legacy
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate, Dr. Ibrahim Ado Iliyasu, has described the reported one-term agreement involving the party's presidential candidate, Distinguished Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (RMK), as a demonstration of integrity, selflessness, and commitment to public service.
Speaking during a public affairs programme, Dr. Iliyasu said the significance of the agreement goes beyond political calculations, stressing that it reflects the enduring values of honour, accountability, and servant leadership.
According to him, Nigerians are increasingly demanding a new political culture where leaders are measured not by the length of time they remain in office but by the impact they make through responsible governance and fidelity to their promises.
"This agreement is not about politics. It is about honour, trust, and service. In politics today, integrity is scarce. This one-term agreement shows that leadership can still mean keeping your word. The people of the FCT respect leaders who say what they will do and do what they say," he stated.
The FCT Senate candidate argued that leaders who recognise they have a defined period to serve are more likely to focus on delivering meaningful development, implementing people-oriented policies, and fulfilling campaign promises rather than becoming preoccupied with political survival.
Commenting on Nigeria's evolving democratic landscape, Dr. Iliyasu observed that recent elections have demonstrated a growing demand among Nigerians for issue-based politics, transparency, and accountable leadership.
He also praised former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, describing him as a leader whose emphasis on prudence, simplicity, and accountability has resonated with many Nigerians.
Drawing a broader historical comparison, Dr. Iliyasu said Peter Obi's leadership philosophy reflects values that many associate with the late South African statesman, Nelson Mandela, particularly the belief that public office is fundamentally about service to the people.
"In our generation, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi represents a model of prudent, simple, and principled leadership. He has demonstrated that leadership can be driven by accountability, discipline, and service to the people. These are values that remind many of the selfless leadership philosophy exemplified by Nelson Mandela, where service to the people takes precedence over the length of time spent in office," he said.
The Chartered Arbitrator and FCT Director of the International Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS) reiterated that the Nigeria Democratic Congress is committed to promoting a new political culture founded on integrity, justice, transparency, equity, and people-centred governance.
Dr. Iliyasu said his senatorial ambition is anchored on expanding access to quality healthcare, empowering youths and women, improving rural infrastructure, protecting vulnerable groups, promoting justice and fairness, and ensuring equitable representation for residents across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
He also reaffirmed his longstanding position that equitable political representation, particularly for communities in Abuja South, would strengthen unity and foster more balanced development across the FCT.
Expressing optimism about the country's future, the NDC candidate said the 2027 general elections present Nigerians with another opportunity to elect leaders who will prioritise service above self-interest and deliver lasting dividends of democracy.
He maintained that the true measure of leadership is not the number of years spent in office, but the positive and enduring impact made on the lives of the people through integrity, sacrifice, and dedicated service.
