Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on politicians to place national unity and love for Nigeria above their differences as preparations intensify for the forthcoming elections.
Obi made the call after attending the commissioning of the Presidential Campaign Office of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Abuja, where he joined Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
In a statement reflecting on the gathering, Obi said Nigeria needed political contests that would produce solutions to the country’s pressing problems rather than deepen divisions among its citizens.
He identified unity, love, justice, mutual respect, and inclusion as the principles that should underpin efforts to build what he described as a “New Nigeria”.
Obi acknowledged that electoral competition could become contentious, but maintained that political disagreements should not eclipse the shared responsibility of citizens and leaders to protect the country’s interests.
“We must insist that our shared love for our country should always be greater than our political differences,” he said.
He directed the appeal to all contestants in the forthcoming elections and emphasised that campaigns should centre on policies capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.
Obi listed insecurity, poverty, hunger, inequality, and the rising number of out-of-school children among the major challenges requiring urgent political attention.
Rather than allowing electoral contests to degenerate into personal attacks or social division, he said politicians should present practical ideas for tackling those difficulties.
“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,” Obi stated.
He further envisioned an electoral environment in which competing parties could advance different programmes without abandoning civility or respect for one another.
According to him, politicians should compete with proposals capable of uniting Nigerians, improving living conditions and restoring confidence in the country’s future.
“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 said.
The former governor also congratulated Makinde, Mohammed and other APM leaders and members on the commissioning of the party’s campaign office.
Makinde attended the event as Oyo governor, while Mohammed participated as leader of the APM. The gathering brought together political figures at a time when parties are positioning themselves for the approaching electoral contest.
Obi concluded his message with an optimistic assessment of Nigeria’s prospects, declaring: “A New Nigeria is POssible with OK.”
READ RELATED NEWS UPDATES
Obi turns 65, gives 65 children a new lease on life
Peter Obi kicks off 2027 campaign, challenges presidential candidates to defend records
Peter Obi donates N10m to Nsukka nursing college
