Obi seeks northern support, confronts civil war legacy, pledges one-term presidency

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has explained his recent remark that he was “ready to die” for his vote, saying the statement was made in response to a member of the audience who expressed a similar determination at a political gathering in Port Harcourt.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, made the clarification in an interview with Ojy Okpe on Arise Television’s Morning Show, aired on September 10, 2026, monitored by Newpost Africa.

Responding to questions about the challenges or otherwise of securing support from northern Nigeria, Obi said his message to the region was centred on his commitment to its future and economic potential.

“I am only trying to tell them that I am committed to your future. We can make more money from agriculture than oil.”

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He said the vast arable land in Niger State, for instance, could help feed the country if properly developed.

Speaking on the mistrust created by the Civil War against his Igbo speaking region, and concerns about how the history could affect his candidacy, Obi said Nigerians needed to focus on building a future based on love and unity rather than hatred.

“Yes it happened. But we must build a future based on love not on hatred. I was not involved in it. It’s time to show love. It’s time to show unity. Today, we have a president who said he doesn’t believe in Nigeria. I believe in it. I am committed to it.”

“You cannot hold what happened when I was barely three-four years against me. That was in the past.

“All these are part of our history, which we can overcome with love. You don’t dwell on yesterday. I want to build a new Nigeria that is possible.”

Responding to a question about his earlier promise to serve only one term if elected, Obi said he would not remain in office beyond the period he had committed to.

“I will not stay a day longer. You don’t need a day longer to make things happen.”

He said he made significant changes during his four years as Anambra State governor and would seek to replicate the same approach at the national level.

More on the interview later.