Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that he made divisive comments against northern Nigerians, insisting the allegations are false and do not reflect his values or track record.
Speaking during Sunday Politics on Channels Television, the former Anambra State governor said suggestions that he would promote division if elected president were baseless.
“That’s a lie. It never happened,” Obi said while responding to the allegation.
To back his position, Obi pointed to his years of humanitarian work and engagement across northern Nigeria, saying his actions have consistently demonstrated his commitment to national unity.
He recalled travelling to Borno State during the early stages of the Boko Haram insurgency to console former Governor 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 said he returned to Borno after 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.
The NDC presidential candidate also cited his personal and professional relationships as evidence of his belief in national unity.
“My ADC was from Kano, and he’s a Muslim,” he said.
Obi further revealed that during his eight years as governor of Anambra State, his administration sponsored Muslim pilgrims on annual Hajj and that all his cooks were northerners.
“As governor, I was paying for Muslims living in Anambra to go to Hajj,” he added.
He also disclosed that he currently supports Almajiri schools in Kano and Bauchi, as well as a School of Nursing in Bauchi, describing the initiatives as part of his commitment to education and humanitarian development across Nigeria.
Obi maintained that his record speaks for itself and rejected claims that he harbours sentiments capable of dividing the country.
