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US President Barack Obama has said he could win a third term as president if he was allowed to run.
He said this on Tuesday while addressing the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“I think I’m a pretty good president and I think if I ran again, I’d win, but I can’t” he said.
Obama said that some African leaders need to let go of power and not hold offices for life.
He reminded the participants that a US president can only hold office for two terms in accordance with the US Constitution, adding “even though I’m still good looking.”
Warning and chiding sit-tight African leaders, Obama said: “Nobody should be president for life. I don’t understand why people want to stay so long, especially when they have got a lot of money”
Barack Obama, the 44th US president, assumed office on January 20, 2009.
The next US presidential election is scheduled for November 8, 2016.
The Democrats in the race include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley.
The Republican candidates include former Florida governor Jeb Bush, US Senators Rand Paul, representing Kentucky, and Ted Cruz from Texas, as well as billionaire Donald Trump and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.
Below are other quotes from Obama’s speech on Tuesday:
“Nothing will unlock Africa’s economic potential more than ending the cancer of corruption,”
“Only Africans can end corruption in their countries”
“Africa’s progress will also depend on democracy, because Africans, like people everywhere, deserve the dignity of being in control of their own lives”
“I am convinced that nations cannot realise the full promise of independence until they fully protect the rights of their people.”
“New thinking delivered independence, gave victory to civil movements and made me President of USA”
“Islam means peace, we must call extremist groups what they are – Murderers
We must all work to build greater tolerance for religious, cultural and political diversity, and build inclusive societies.