Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has firmly rejected allegations that he made divisive or derogatory remarks targeting northern Nigerians, describing the claims as completely false.
Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Obi stated: “That’s a lie. It never happened.”
He insisted that his public service record and personal relationships demonstrate a consistent commitment to national unity and the welfare of citizens across every part of Nigeria.
Obi highlighted his repeated humanitarian engagements in the North. He recalled travelling to Borno State at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency to sympathise with former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff following the killing of his brother. He later returned to Borno after devastating floods, where he donated ₦50 million, met the state governor and the Shehu of Borno, and visited internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
His outreach, he said, has extended to several other northern states, including Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi and Sokoto, as well as multiple visits to conflict-affected communities in Benue State. “I’ve been to the most troubled parts of the North. I’ve visited Benue several times and even spent Christmas and New Year in IDP camps,” Obi stated.
He further noted that his former Aide-de-Camp was a Muslim from Kano. During his eight years as Governor of Anambra State, all the cooks who served him were from northern Nigeria, and his administration sponsored Muslims resident in the state for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Obi added that he currently supports Almajiri schools in Kano and Bauchi, as well as a School of Nursing in Bauchi.
Obi stressed that political discourse should focus on Nigeria’s pressing challenges rather than personal or regional attacks. He reaffirmed his determination to unite the country: “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.”
He maintained that both his official record and private actions reflect a belief in one Nigeria in which every citizen can thrive irrespective of region, ethnicity or religion.