The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has thrown his support behind the presidential ambition of his counterpart in the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, declaring that the Oyo State governor is qualified to lead Nigeria.
Obi made the declaration on Monday while speaking at the inauguration of Makinde’s presidential campaign office in Abuja, where he joined political leaders and supporters to mark the opening of the facility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor said his presence at the event was intended to demonstrate solidarity with Makinde and promote a political culture centred on cooperation rather than confrontation.
According to Obi, Nigeria is facing serious economic and social challenges, making it necessary for political actors to put national interest above personal or partisan differences.
He said he was prepared to work with whoever emerges victorious in a free, fair and credible presidential election, provided the process reflects the genuine choice of Nigerians.
“We want a Nigeria of unity, inclusion; we have a candidate who is contesting for President today, my dear brother Makinde. Is he qualified to be President? Yes, he is qualified,” Obi said.
The NDC candidate stressed that the 2027 contest should not be driven by desperation or hostility among politicians but should give Nigerians the opportunity to choose the leader they believe can address the country’s challenges.
He said the hardship confronting citizens, particularly hunger and poverty, should be a greater concern to politicians than political disagreements.
“What we are doing today, for us is not about desperation but we want Nigerians to make their choice. All of us should come together to build a new Nigeria. We can’t continue the way we are going, our people are hungry and poor.
“Whoever wins genuinely from a free, fair, and credible election, we will all work together to save this country from collapse,” he added.
Obi also called for greater unity among political leaders, arguing that political competition should focus on finding solutions to Nigeria’s problems rather than deepening divisions.
He maintained that his decision to attend Makinde’s campaign office inauguration was consistent with his call for a new approach to politics.
“That’s why I’m here to show solidarity and assure you that we are changing the system, we don’t want politics of quarrel, politics of disagreement,” he said.
According to him, political disagreements should instead centre on how to improve the lives of Nigerians and create opportunities for ordinary citizens.
“Let our quarrel be to feed our people, we want a Nigeria where the child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody,” Obi stated.