The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has rejected claims that his presidency would deepen Nigeria’s ethnic and religious divisions, insisting that his record reflects a commitment to national unity.
Obi spoke on Sunday, July 26, 2026, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, in response to comments by former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, who questioned his ability to unite the country.
“I will unite Nigeria, and I know what it takes to unite Nigeria,” Obi declared.
The former Anambra State governor cited his years of engagement with Nigerians across the country, particularly in the North, as evidence of his commitment to national cohesion.
He recalled travelling to Borno during the early years of the Boko Haram insurgency to condole with Sheriff after the killing of his brother. He also recounted visiting the state after devastating floods, touring internally displaced persons’ camps and donating ₦50 million to victims.
Obi said he had visited Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi and Sokoto states, as well as crisis-hit communities in Benue.
He listed the provision of boreholes, support for agricultural initiatives at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, assistance to Almajiri schools in Kano and Bauchi, and support for a School of Nursing in Bauchi among his interventions.
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According to Obi, his experiences across the country had reinforced his belief that Nigerians should be united by their shared identity rather than divided along ethnic, religious or regional lines.
“A Peter Obi presidency will commence the healing and the unity that is required to stabilize and build a better Nigeria,” he said.
Obi also denied allegations of making anti-Northern remarks, citing his former aide-de-camp, whom he identified as a Muslim from Kano, among his close associates.
He added that his Anambra administration sponsored Muslim pilgrims for the annual Hajj and that his cooks throughout his eight years as governor were northerners.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate urged political leaders to move beyond personality-driven attacks and focus on poverty, insecurity, education and healthcare.
His remarks come amid renewed debate over his ability to build a broad national coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with critics questioning his reach beyond the South-East and supporters pointing to his cross-regional engagements.
Reaffirming his commitment to inclusiveness, Obi said his administration would involve Nigerians from all parts of the country in rebuilding the nation.
“I will never divide Nigeria. I will unite Nigeria. I will show love to every part of the country and make sure things are done differently because I’m going to involve everybody,” he said.