'It never happened', Obi denies making divisive remarks about northerners

For Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the allegations of making divisive remarks about northern Nigerians are nothing short of false. Obi's denials have been loud and clear, with the former Anambra State governor categorically stating, "That's a lie. It never happened." But what does this mean for the millions of northerners who are eagerly waiting for a chance to cast their votes in the upcoming presidential election?

Obi's denial is backed by a long record of engagement and humanitarian interventions in northern Nigeria. He has been to some of the most troubled parts of the North, including Borno State, where he traveled to console former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff following the killing of his brother during the early days of the Boko Haram insurgency. Obi also recalled returning to Borno after severe flooding, where he donated ₦50 million, met with the state governor and the Shehu of Borno, and visited internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

But Obi's humanitarian activities do not stop at just visiting northern states. He has also invested heavily in education and humanitarian development across the country, including supporting Almajiri schools in Kano and Bauchi, as well as a School of Nursing in Bauchi. These initiatives are evidence of his commitment to national unity rather than division.

Obi's personal and professional relationships with northerners also speak to his commitment to national unity. His ADC was from Kano, and he's a Muslim, a fact that Obi proudly highlights as evidence of his commitment to inclusivity. As governor of Anambra State, he employed northern cooks and sponsored Muslim faithful in the state on annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. These gestures are not just tokenistic; they reflect a genuine commitment to building bridges between different communities in Nigeria.

But what's behind the allegations of divisive remarks? Is it simply a desperate attempt to discredit Obi's candidacy, or is there something more sinister at play? The fact that these allegations have been leveled against Obi suggests that some people are uncomfortable with his message of national unity and inclusivity. They may be worried that Obi's presidency would deepen divisions in the country, but the evidence suggests otherwise.

I predict that the politics of personalities will play a major role in the upcoming presidential election. With Obi's reputation as a unifying figure under scrutiny, his opponents will try to paint him as a divisive figure. But the facts are on Obi's side. His record of engagement and humanitarian interventions in northern Nigeria is evidence of his commitment to national unity. As Nigerians head to the polls, they will be faced with a choice between a candidate who represents division and one who embodies unity. I predict that Obi's message of national unity will resonate with many Nigerians, and he will emerge victorious in the end.