Peter Obi has explained why he attended the inauguration of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential campaign office in Abuja, insisting that political differences should not overshadow the shared responsibility of rebuilding Nigeria.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) made his position known in a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, a day after he joined APM leaders at the commissioning of the facility.
Obi said his decision to attend the event was driven by his belief that Nigerian politics should be centred on unity, love, justice, inclusion and mutual respect.
The former Anambra State governor argued that political competition ahead of the 2027 elections should not degenerate into unnecessary hostility or division among Nigerians and political actors.
He said the love for Nigeria must remain greater than whatever differences exist between contestants, urging politicians across party lines to embrace a more constructive approach to the forthcoming elections.
“Yesterday, I joined my brothers, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the Leader of the APM, at the commissioning of the party’s Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja.
“I used the opportunity to emphasise the need for us to build a New Nigeria anchored on Unity, Love, Justice, mutual respect, and inclusion, particularly at a time when political contests can become unnecessarily contentious and divisive,” Obi stated.
According to the NDC candidate, Nigeria’s political space should provide room for disagreements over policies and ideas without turning political opponents into enemies.
He maintained that the 2027 contest should instead focus on finding practical solutions to some of the country’s most pressing problems.
“We must insist that our shared love for our country should always be greater than our political differences. This is my call to all contestants in the forthcoming elections,” he said.
Obi listed insecurity, poverty, hunger, inequality and the increasing number of out-of-school children among the challenges requiring urgent attention.
He urged political candidates to make these issues the centre of their campaigns rather than relying on attacks, bitterness and divisive rhetoric.
“Let our contest be about ideas and solutions that will address the enormous challenges facing our country today: insecurity, poverty, hunger, inequality, and the growing number of out-of-school children.
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“Let us compete on ideas that will unite our people, improve their lives, and restore hope to our nation, while maintaining respect, decency, and love for one another,” he added.
Obi congratulates Makinde, Bala Mohammed
Obi also used the statement to congratulate APM presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, the party’s National Leader and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, alongside other leaders and members of the party.
“I congratulate my dear brothers, Governor Seyi Makinde and Governor Bala Mohammed, as well as all the leaders and members of the APM, on this important milestone,” he wrote.
His appearance at the APM campaign office had generated significant political interest, coming at a time when major political actors are positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.