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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, says his priority is to see Nigeria become a better country, insisting he is not driven by a desire to occupy the presidency.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on Sunday Politics aired on Channels Television, Obi said his ambition is rooted in a desire to transform the country rather than secure political office.
“I’ve always said I’m not desperate to be Nigerian president. I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. So if it’s working, I’ll support whatever makes it work,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor said he wants to build a country where every Nigerian has equal opportunities to succeed regardless of background.
“I want to see a country where a child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody; where we can lift people out of poverty and create opportunities for young people to get jobs, become entrepreneurs and realise their potential,” he said.
Obi added that holding public office is not an end in itself, stressing that he is contesting because he believes he can fix Nigeria’s challenges.
“I don’t even need to hold any post. I’m contesting because I believe I will fix it. I will unite the country and show what is possible,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that he would divide the country if elected president in 2027, describing national unity as one of his core priorities.
Responding to criticism from former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, Obi said his record reflects a long-standing commitment to promoting unity across Nigeria.
“I will unite Nigeria, and I know what it takes to unite Nigeria,” he said.
The former governor cited his humanitarian visits to conflict-affected communities in the North, including multiple trips to Benue State and visits to internally displaced persons’ camps during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He also noted projects he said he had supported across northern Nigeria, including the construction of boreholes in states such as Gombe, Kaduna and Sokoto.
According to Obi, he has travelled extensively across Nigeria by road, visiting schools, hospitals and communities in the North, South-West and North-Central regions in an effort to understand the country’s challenges firsthand.
