NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi has dismissed claims that he would divide Nigeria if elected president, insisting that he has the experience and leadership needed to unite the country.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television, Obi rejected criticisms by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, saying, “I will unite Nigeria, and I know what it takes to unite Nigeria.”
The former Anambra State governor said his record of humanitarian interventions across northern Nigeria, including visits to Borno, Benue, Katsina, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Bauchi and Sokoto, demonstrates his commitment to national unity.
He recalled travelling to Borno to condole with Sheriff after the killing of his brother during the early days of the Boko Haram insurgency, adding, “When people didn’t want to go there, I went to Borno State.”
Obi also highlighted his donations to flood victims, support for internally displaced persons, construction of boreholes and assistance to schools, hospitals and agricultural projects across the North.
Stressing his nationwide engagements, he said, “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.”
On national reconciliation, Obi declared, “A Peter Obi presidency will commence the healing and the unity that is required to stabilise and build a better Nigeria,” while urging Nigerians not to remain divided by the country’s past.
Responding to allegations that he had made divisive remarks about northerners, he dismissed the claims, saying, “That’s a lie. It never happened,” and noted that many of his former aides were northerners, while he also sponsored Muslims from Anambra for Hajj and continues to support Almajiri schools and a School of Nursing in the North.
Obi argued that political discussions should focus on tackling poverty, insecurity, education and healthcare instead of personal attacks, saying national issues deserve greater attention.
Reaffirming his vision for the country, he concluded, “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.”
