Peter Obi's Plan to Unite Nigeria and Heal Old Wounds

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has shared his plan to focus on national unity and healing past wounds if he becomes president.

Mr Obi, who was once the governor of Anambra State, spoke on Sunday night during an interview on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics.

He talked about the civil war from 1967 to 1970, a conflict that took over three million lives and caused much destruction, especially in Eastern Nigeria. Mr Obi believes that his election could help bring about national reconciliation.

When the host, Seun Okinbaloye, asked if his win would start the healing process for the country, Mr Obi replied: “That is the beginning of the healing. A Peter Obi presidency will commence the healing and the unity that is required to stabilise and build a better Nigeria.”

Mr Obi addressed issues of historical grievances, particularly the 1966 counter-coup. He encouraged Nigerians to learn from history but not to be stuck in it.

“You cannot be trapped in the process of yesterday. Those who are trapped in yesterday’s process 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.

He also responded to critics who doubt his ability to unite the country, especially Ali-Modu Sheriff, a former Governor of Borno State. Mr Sheriff had questioned Mr Obi’s capability to promote national cohesion.

Mr Obi dismissed these claims. He pointed to his time as Anambra State governor from 2006 to 2014 and his humanitarian work across Nigeria as proof of his commitment to unity.

He recalled visiting Borno State during the early days of the Boko Haram crisis to offer condolences to Mr Sheriff after the death of his brother, despite the risks involved.

“When people didn’t want to go there, I went to Borno State,” Mr Obi said.

He also mentioned his charitable efforts in the North-east, such as donating ₦50 million after serious floods, visiting internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, and meeting with the Shehu of Borno.

Mr Obi stressed that his work covers the entire North, saying, “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 talked about his support for development projects, including funding boreholes in Gombe and Kaduna, as well as helping the agricultural faculty at the University of Sokoto.

“I’ve built boreholes in Gombe, in Kaduna, in every part of the North. When the University of Sokoto’s Agricultural Faculty said all they needed was a borehole for their farm, I did it,” he added.

Mr Obi claimed that his commitment goes beyond one region. He said his extensive travels across the South-west, North-central, and other areas have given him a deep understanding of Nigerians.

“There’s no politician today in Nigeria that has been able to travel places that I have been to by road because I want the country to be together, and I understand the people,” he concluded.