Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Peter Obi, says rebuilding trust among Nigerians and promoting national unity would be central to his administration if elected president.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate said his presidency would begin a process of reconciliation aimed at addressing historical grievances and strengthening unity across the country. Speaking during an interview with Seun Okinbaloye, Obi said his victory would mark the start of a healing process for Nigeria.
“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”, he said.
Reflecting on the 1967–1970 civil war, which resulted in the loss of millions of lives and widespread destruction, particularly in the Eastern region, Obi urged Nigerians to acknowledge the past without being defined by 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.
Obi also rejected claims by former Borno State Governor Ali-Modu Sheriff that he lacks the capacity to unite the country, pointing to his record as Anambra governor and his humanitarian interventions across Nigeria. He recalled visiting Borno at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency to sympathise with Sheriff after the death of his brother.
“When people didn’t want to go there, I went to Borno State”, Obi said.
He also highlighted his support for communities in the North-east, including a ₦50 million donation after floods, visits to internally displaced persons’ camps and engagements with traditional leaders. Obi said he had travelled extensively across Nigeria, including conflict-affected areas, to understand the challenges facing citizens.
“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 said.
