Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has made a direct appeal to Northern Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election, urging them to trust him with the nation’s highest office, insisting that his presidency would unite rather than divide the country.

Speaking during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, Obi dismissed claims by some political opponents that an Igbo presidency would threaten Nigeria’s unity, arguing instead that electing a leader based on competence rather than ethnicity would mark the beginning of genuine national reconciliation.

Addressing Northerners directly, Obi declared that no Nigerian politician understands the challenges confronting the region better than he does.

“I will work with them. I will ensure that unity, security and prosperity become realities. Nobody can drive that process today better than me,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria has reached a point where citizens must abandon ethnic and religious politics and instead focus on solving the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

‘My ambition is to fix Nigeria, not occupy office’

Obi stressed that his presidential ambition is driven by a desire to rebuild Nigeria and not by a personal quest for power.

“I don’t even need to hold any political office. I’m contesting because I believe I can unite this country and show what is possible.

“What matters to me is seeing a Nigeria that works. Whether Peter Obi is President or not is not the issue. As long as Nigeria works, I’m satisfied.”

He maintained that leadership should be measured by the ability to improve citizens’ lives rather than by political titles.

Responding to criticisms from former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, who reportedly described him as incapable of uniting Nigeria, Obi said his personal record contradicts such allegations.

He recalled visiting several conflict-ridden communities across Northern Nigeria while serving as Governor of Anambra State and even after leaving office.

“I visited Kaduna when many people were afraid to go there. I went to Borno, Plateau, Benue and several other troubled areas.

“I spent Christmas and New Year in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue. I supported rebuilding schools for displaced children.

“I have travelled across Nigeria by road more than many politicians because I love this country.”

He also listed educational and humanitarian interventions he personally sponsored in Northern states, including support for schools in Kaduna and Sokoto.

Obi further argued that Nigeria has not completely healed from the wounds of the Civil War but insisted that electing leaders based on merit rather than ethnicity would strengthen national cohesion.

“The beginning of healing is when every Nigerian believes he or she can aspire to any office in the country.

“We must stop being prisoners of yesterday. The future belongs to our children, who should grow up simply as Nigerians, not defined by tribe or religion.”

According to him, his administration would consciously build bridges across ethnic and religious divides.

“I will never divide this country. I will unite Nigeria and show love to every part of it. I will involve everybody.”

Responding to allegations that he favours Christians over Muslims, Obi pointed to his record while serving as Governor of Anambra State.

“My ADC was from Kaduna. Most of my commissioners were from Northern Nigeria. I funded pilgrimages for both Christians and Muslims equally.”

He added that he continues to support educational institutions owned by Muslim communities in Northern Nigeria through personal philanthropy.

“So, where is the evidence that I discriminate? These are narratives deliberately created to keep Nigeria divided.”

Obi lamented what he described as the deliberate diversion of national discourse from critical governance issues to personality attacks.

“Instead of discussing poverty, education, healthcare and insecurity, they spend their time discussing Peter Obi.

“Over 80 million Nigerians live in poverty. Millions of children are out of school. Those should be the issues.”

He argued that politicians continue to exploit ethnic sentiments because they have no concrete solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges.

The former Anambra governor also reaffirmed his willingness to serve only one four-year term if elected President.

According to him, Nigeria’s problems are too urgent to justify prolonged political promises.

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“I don’t need more than four years to show Nigerians what good leadership can achieve.

“When I contested for governor, everything I promised during campaigns, I implemented.

“Leadership is about character and consistency.”

Obi said the country’s decline can be reversed within months if government demonstrates commitment, discipline and prudent management of public resources.

“You can redirect Nigeria within six months if you have competent leadership.”

On insecurity, Obi argued that military operations alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security crisis.

“Poverty is one of the biggest drivers of insecurity. The more poverty you create, the more criminality you produce.”

He promised to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture and personally lead efforts to restore public confidence.

“I will be fully committed. I will strengthen the security architecture and mobilise every available support, including international cooperation where necessary.”

He also pledged to personally visit communities affected by attacks instead of governing from a distance.

“Whenever Nigerians are under attack, I will be there. As Governor of Anambra, whenever there was a security incident, I went there myself—even at 3 a.m. If securing Nigerians requires my physical presence, I will be there.”

Obi also took a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying Nigeria is heading in the wrong direction under the current administration.

He argued that while government may have recorded some gains against insecurity, the scale of the crisis demands far more decisive leadership.

“The President has done his best, but his best is no longer enough for the magnitude of the crisis we face.

“Nigeria needs leadership with urgency, commitment and compassion.”

He maintained that the 2027 presidential election should be determined by who possesses the capacity to solve Nigeria’s challenges rather than by ethnic or religious considerations.

“Our politics must move from tribe and religion to competence, character and capacity.

“That is the Nigeria I want to build.”