Peter Obi claims Tinubu doesn't believe in one Nigeria, cites 1997 interview

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, told Arise Television on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu does not believe in one Nigeria, citing a 1997 ThisDay interview where Tinubu said, "I don't believe in one Nigeria." Obi emphasized his own commitment to Nigeria’s unity, noting that holding past remarks against someone who was barely three or four at the time is unfair.

The statement revives debate over national cohesion amid rising ethnic and religious tensions and the looming 2027 general election. Tinubu’s background includes active membership in the pro‑democracy NADECO during the military regime and his subsequent election as Lagos State governor in 1999. Critics argue that a leader’s view on unity directly influences policies on security, resource allocation, and institutional trust.

What should you consider as a voter? Reflect on whether a decades‑old quote should outweigh a candidate’s recent record, and how each contender’s stance on unity might shape policies affecting your community. As the 2027 campaign intensifies, will you prioritize a candidate’s commitment to national unity over other factors when deciding your vote?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/10/tinubu-doesnt-believe-in-one-nigeria-but-i-do-peter-obi/