The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that he has the experience and leadership qualities needed to unite Nigeria, dismissing claims that his presidency would deepen ethnic or regional divisions.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television, the former Anambra State governor said his record of humanitarian work and national engagement demonstrates his commitment to building a united Nigeria.
Obi’s remarks came in response to comments by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, who questioned his ability to unite the country if elected president.
Rejecting the criticism, Obi insisted that his actions over the years speak louder than political accusations.
“I will unite Nigeria, and I know what it takes to unite Nigeria,” Obi said.
Obi Cites Humanitarian Efforts Across Northern Nigeria
To support his claim, Obi highlighted several humanitarian visits and interventions he has undertaken across northern Nigeria over the years.
He recalled travelling to Borno State during the early days of the Boko Haram insurgency to sympathise with Ali Modu Sheriff after the killing of his brother.
“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,” he said.
Obi also revealed that he later returned to Borno following devastating floods, where he donated ₦50 million, met with the state governor and the Shehu of Borno, and visited internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
According to him, his humanitarian activities have taken him to several 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,” Obi stated.
He added that he had funded boreholes in several northern communities and supported educational and healthcare projects, including an agricultural project 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,” he said.
Obi also maintained that he has travelled extensively across the country by road, saying the experience has helped him better understand the needs of Nigerians.
“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 added.
‘My Presidency Will Heal Nigeria’
Obi said Nigeria must move beyond historical divisions and focus on building a united future.
“A Peter Obi presidency will commence the healing and the unity that is required to stabilise and build a better Nigeria,” he said.
He stressed that while the country’s history should be acknowledged, it should not prevent Nigerians from working together.
“We have a history, but we must not be trapped in it. It must not deprive us of tomorrow,” Obi stated.
According to him, his vision is to build a nation where citizens are judged by their character rather than their 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,” he said.
Obi Denies Anti-North Allegations
The former governor also denied allegations that he had made divisive remarks about northern Nigerians, describing the claims as false.
“That’s a lie. It never happened,” Obi said.
He noted that many of his closest associates have been northerners, adding that his Aide-de-Camp (ADC) was from Kano and a Muslim.
“My ADC was from Kano, and he’s a Muslim,” he said.
Obi further disclosed that during his eight years as governor of Anambra State, he sponsored Muslim faithful on annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
“As governor, I was paying for Muslims living in Anambra to go to Hajj,” he added.
He also revealed that he currently supports Almajiri schools in Kano and Bauchi, as well as a School of Nursing in Bauchi, as part of his commitment to education and humanitarian development.
Calls for Focus on National Challenges
Obi urged Nigerians and political leaders to focus on solving the country’s major problems instead of engaging in personal attacks.
“Instead of us discussing the problems of the country, people come before you to discuss Peter Obi,” he said.
He maintained that issues such as poverty, insecurity, education and healthcare deserve greater attention, reiterating his promise to lead an inclusive government if elected.
“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,” Obi concluded.
Source: Channels Television.
