Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has dismissed concerns that his election will exacerbate the country’s differences, claiming that his track record demonstrates his ability to unite the country.
Obi made the statements during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he responded to former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff’s comments, which questioned his ability to build national unity.
He stated that his years of engagement around the country indicated a dedication to national unity rather than separation.
“I will unite Nigeria, and I know what it takes to unite Nigeria,” he said.
He contended that his record of humanitarian aid and visits to various sections of the country spoke louder than political allegations.
Recalling the early days of the Boko Haram conflict, Obi stated that he traveled to Borno State to sympathize with Sheriff after the former governor lost his brother in the violence.
“At the onset of this Boko Haram issue… his own brother was killed. I travelled to Borno State to console him. When people didn’t want to go there, I went to Borno State.”
Obi returned to Borno following catastrophic floods, donating ₦50 million, meeting with the state governor and Shehu, and visiting internally displaced persons camps.
He stated that similar humanitarian efforts have led him to other northern states, including Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Sokoto.
“I’ve been to the most troubled parts of the North… I’ve been to Benue up to four times, visiting the various affected communities… I’ve spent Christmas and New Year in IDP camps,” he said.
According to Obi, he has also funded borehole projects in various northern communities as well as educational and healthcare institutions, such as agricultural activities at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto.
“I’ve built boreholes in Gombe, in Kaduna, in every part of the North. When the University of Sokoto Agricultural Faculty said all they need is a borehole for their farm, I did it,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor added that he had traveled extensively across the country, particularly by road, to understand the needs of Nigerians better.
“There’s no politician today in Nigeria… that has been able to travel places that I have been by road… because I want the country to be together, and I understand the people,” he said.
Speaking on national reconciliation, Obi said his administration would prioritize healing long-standing divisions and building a more united country.
He said, “A Peter Obi presidency will commence the healing and the unity that are required to stabilize and build a better Nigeria.”
He called on Nigerians not to allow historical grievances to define the country’s future.
“You cannot be trapped in the process of yesterday. Those who are trapped in the process of yesterday will lose the future.
“We have a history, but we must not be trapped in it. It must not deprive us of tomorrow, he said.
Obi stated that his vision was for a Nigeria where citizens are judged by their character and contributions rather than ethnicity or religion.
“I want the child of Nigeria to be able to grow up in Nigeria, go to school, and live his life without thinking about his tribe, without thinking about yesterday, without thinking about his religion, but as a Nigerian, proud of it,” Obi said.
Speaking on allegations that he once made divisive comments about northern Nigerians, Obi dismissed the claims outright.
He said, “That’s a lie. It never happened.”
He pointed to his relationship with northern Nigerians, stating that several of his close associates were from the region.
“My ADC was from Kano, and he’s a Muslim,” he said.
Obi also revealed that during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, all the cooks attached to him were northerners and that he sponsored Muslims in the state to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
“As governor, I was paying for Muslims living in Anambra to go to Hajj,” he said.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate stated that public debate should focus on resolving Nigeria’s serious issues rather than bashing political opponents.
“Instead of us discussing the problems of the country, people come before you to discuss Peter Obi,” he stated.
He argued that concerns like poverty, instability, education, and healthcare demanded more attention.
Obi reaffirmed his commitment to national unity, stating that every section of the country would be carried forward under his leadership.
He said, “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.”
