The former Anambra State governor argued that his actions over the years, rather than political rhetoric, reflected his commitment to every part of the country.
for their farm, I did it,” Obi said
He added that he had also visited schools, hospitals and communities across the South-West and North-Central regions, insisting that no contemporary Nigerian politician had travelled as extensively across the country by road.
“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.”
‘An Obi Presidency Will Heal Nigeria’
Addressing concerns about whether Nigeria had moved beyond divisions rooted in the Civil War, Obi said his presidency would mark the beginning of national healing.
“A Peter Obi presidency will commence the healing and the unity that is required to stabilise and build a better Nigeria.”
He argued that while Nigeria should acknowledge its history, it must not allow the past to determine its future.
“You cannot be trapped in the process of yesterday. Those who are trapped in the process of yesterday will lose the future,” he said.
“We have a history, but we must not be trapped in it. It must not deprive us of tomorrow.”
According to Obi, his goal is to build a country where every Nigerian can thrive regardless of 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.”
‘I Have Never Labelled Northerners’
Responding to allegations that he had made divisive remarks about northern Nigerians, Obi described the claims as false.
“That’s a lie. It never happened.”
He said his closest aides and associates over the years had included several northerners and Muslims.
“My ADC was from Kano, and he’s a Muslim.”
Obi also said all cooks who served him during his eight years as governor of Anambra State were from northern Nigeria, while he sponsored Muslims from the state on annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
“As governor, I was paying for Muslims living in Anambra to go to Hajj.”
He further revealed that he currently supports Almajiri schools in Kano and Bauchi, as well as a School of Nursing in Bauchi.
Focus On National Issues
The former governor said political debates should centre on the country’s pressing challenges rather than personal attacks.
“Instead of us discussing the problems of the country, people come before you to discuss Peter Obi.”
He maintained that poverty, insecurity, education and healthcare should dominate national conversations.
Obi maintained that his vision was to build an inclusive nation where every citizen feels a sense of belonging.
“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.”
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