Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections, Peter Obi, has declared that his potential presidency would prioritise national unity and the healing of historical wounds stemming from the Nigerian Civil War.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday night, the former Anambra State governor reflected on the 30-month civil war (1967–1970), which claimed over three million lives — mainly from Eastern Nigeria — and caused widespread destruction of property.
When asked by host Seun Okinbaloye whether his election would mark a definitive step towards national healing, 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.”
Addressing lingering historical grievances, including the 1966 counter-coup, Obi urged Nigerians not to remain trapped by the past.
“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.
Defending His Record on National Unity
Obi also responded to criticisms of his ability to foster national cohesion, particularly claims by former Borno State Governor Ali-Modu Sheriff.
He pointed to his record as Anambra governor (2006–2014) and his extensive humanitarian work across Nigeria as evidence of his commitment to unity.
Obi recalled visiting Borno State at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency to console Sheriff following the death of his brother, despite the security risks at the time.
“When people didn’t want to go there, I went to Borno State,” he said.
He further highlighted his interventions in the North-East, including a ₦50 million donation after devastating floods, visits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, and meetings with the Shehu of Borno.
Obi noted that he has visited Benue State up to four times to support communities affected by violence and has spent Christmas and New Year periods in IDP camps.
He also listed development projects he has supported in the North, such as funding boreholes in Gombe and Kaduna, and providing a borehole for the agricultural faculty of the University of Sokoto.
“I’ve been to the most troubled parts of the North… 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,” Obi concluded.