Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has firmly rejected allegations that his leadership would divide Nigeria, emphasizing instead his proven commitment and capacity to foster national unity.
During an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics with Seun Okinbaloye, Obi addressed comments made by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, who had questioned Obi’s ability to unify the country. Obi dismissed these criticisms, pointing to his track record as evidence of his dedication to Nigeria’s cohesion.
I Will Unite Nigeria
I will unite Nigeria, and I know what it takes to do so,” Obi declared, highlighting that his actions—not just words—demonstrate his resolve to bring the nation together. As a former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, Obi cited numerous humanitarian efforts across the country, particularly in the North, as proof of his commitment.
He recounted traveling to Borno State during the early days of the Boko Haram insurgency to personally condole with Sheriff following the killing of the former governor’s brother, even when others feared visiting the region. He also spoke of returning to Borno after severe floods, donating ₦50 million, meeting with local leaders, and visiting internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Obi noted similar interventions in other northern states such as Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Benue.
I’ve been to the most troubled parts of the North… I’ve spent Christmas and New Year in IDP camps, he said, adding that he has funded boreholes and supported educational and health initiatives, including agricultural projects at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto.
National Reach and Inclusivity
Obi emphasized that his outreach extends well beyond the North, noting visits to schools, hospitals, and communities throughout the South-West and North-Central regions. “No politician today in Nigeria has traveled by road to as many places as I have, because I want the country to be together and I understand the people, he asserted.
A Presidency for National Healing
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s lingering divisions since the Civil War, Obi promised that his presidency would begin the healing and the unity that is required to stabilize and build a better Nigeria. He stressed the importance of learning from history without being bound by it: Those who are trapped in the process of yesterday will lose the future. We have a history, but it must not deprive us of tomorrow.
Obi’s vision, he said, is a nation where every Nigerian thrives regardless of ethnicity or religion: I want every child in Nigeria to grow up, go to school, and live without thinking about tribe or religion, but as a Nigerian—proud of it.
Rejects Claims of Regional Bias
Obi also addressed accusations that he had made divisive remarks about northern Nigerians, calling such claims a lie.
He pointed out that his closest aides and associates have included northerners and Muslims, including his aide-de-camp from Kano and cooks from the North during his tenure as Anambra governor. He noted that he sponsored Muslim pilgrims to Hajj and continues to support Almajiri schools and a School of Nursing in Bauchi.
Focus on National Issues
Calling for a shift in political discourse, Obi urged for debates centered on Nigeria’s real challenges—poverty, insecurity, education, and healthcare rather than personal attacks. Instead of discussing the problems of the country, people discuss Peter Obi, he said.
Concluding, Obi reaffirmed his commitment: I will never divide Nigeria. I will unite Nigeria. I will show love to every part of Nigeria and make sure things are done differently, because I’m going to involve everybody.
