The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has rejected claims that he would divide Nigeria if elected president, insisting that his leadership experience and record of service across the country demonstrate his commitment to national unity.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Obi was responding to remarks by former Borno State governor Ali Modu Sheriff, who questioned his ability to unite the country.
“I will unite Nigeria, and I know what it takes to unite Nigeria,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor argued that his actions over the years, rather than political rhetoric, reflect his commitment to every region of the country.
Obi said he travelled to Borno State to console Sheriff after the killing of his brother during the early years of the Boko Haram insurgency. He added that he later returned to the state after severe flooding, where he donated ₦50 million, met with the governor and the Shehu of Borno, and visited internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
He also listed humanitarian visits and interventions in Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto and Benue states, saying he had spent Christmas and New Year with displaced persons and funded boreholes, schools, hospitals and agricultural projects in several northern communities.
According to Obi, he has travelled extensively across Nigeria by road because he believes understanding the country’s people is key to building national unity.
Addressing concerns about divisions linked to the Nigerian Civil War, Obi said his presidency would begin a process of healing and reconciliation.
“We have a history, but we must not be trapped in it. It must not deprive us of tomorrow,” he said.
Obi also dismissed allegations that he had made divisive remarks about northerners, describing the claims as false. He noted that his former aide-de-camp was a Muslim from Kano, while all his cooks during his tenure as Anambra governor were northerners. He added that his administration sponsored Muslims in Anambra State for the annual Hajj pilgrimage and that he currently supports Almajiri schools in Kano and Bauchi, as well as a School of Nursing in Bauchi.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate maintained that national discourse should focus on tackling poverty, insecurity, education and healthcare rather than personal attacks.
“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,” he said.
