Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has dismissed allegations that he made divisive comments about northern Nigerians.

He described the claims as false and completely inconsistent with his long record of engagement across the region.

Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics, Obi firmly rejected the accusation. “That’s a lie. It never happened,” he said, while also dismissing suggestions that his presidency would deepen divisions in the country.

To support his position, the former Anambra State governor recalled several visits to northern states affected by insecurity and humanitarian crises. He said he travelled to Borno State at the early stages of the Boko Haram insurgency to console former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff after the killing of his brother.

Obi also noted that he returned to Borno after severe flooding, where he donated ₦50 million, met with state leaders, and visited internally displaced persons camps.

He listed other northern states he has visited, including Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Benue.

The candidate further highlighted his personal and professional relationships, saying his Aide-de-Camp was a Muslim from Kano.

He added that as governor he sponsored Muslims from Anambra on pilgrimage and currently supports Almajiri schools and a nursing school in the North, describing these as part of his commitment to national unity.

Photo credit: Grassroots Mobilization