‘It never happened’ — Obi denies making divisive remarks about northerners

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has vehemently denied claims that he made divisive statements targeting northern Nigerians. Obi asserted that these allegations are false and contradict his history of engagement and humanitarian efforts throughout the region.

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That’s a lie. It never happened.

During an interview on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, Obi addressed the accusations directly, stating, “That’s a lie. It never happened.” He emphasized his long-standing connections with northern communities, recounting visits to states grappling with insecurity and humanitarian crises. He recalled traveling to Borno State early in the Boko Haram insurgency to offer condolences after the killing of a former governor's brother, noting he went when others were hesitant.

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At the onset of this Boko Haram issue… his own brother was killed. I travelled to Borno State to console him. When people didn’t want to go there, I went to Borno State.

Obi further highlighted his return to Borno after severe flooding, where he donated 50 million naira and met with state officials and internally displaced persons (IDPs). His humanitarian activities have spanned numerous northern states, including Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Sokoto. He has visited troubled areas and spent holidays in IDP camps.

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I’ve been to the most troubled parts of the North… I’ve been to Benue up to four times, visiting the various affected communities… I’ve spent Christmas and New Year in IDP camps.

His personal and professional life, he argued, reflects a commitment to national unity. Obi mentioned his aide-de-camp was from Kano and a Muslim, and that during his governorship in Anambra State, his household staff included northerners, and he sponsored Muslim residents on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. He also supports Almajiri schools and a nursing school in Bauchi, viewing these as integral to his commitment to education and humanitarian development nationwide.

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My ADC was from Kano, and he’s a Muslim.