Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 election, has said Nigeria must turn its painful history into a resource for national transformation rather than remain trapped by past tragedies.
Obi said the 1966 coups, the civil war and other episodes of mass violence should serve as lessons for building a more united, stable and prosperous country.
The former Anambra State governor made the statement while responding to concerns raised by some Nigerians after he was questioned about the 1966 coups during an interview with an Arise News anchor.
Obi said he had received calls and messages from Nigerians who were unhappy that he was asked questions about the coups, but assured them that he was prepared to answer questions on any issue concerning the country.
“As a presidential candidate, I am ready and able to answer any questions about anything relating to Nigeria. I have a commitment to serve the people, not to hide from them,” he said.
According to Obi, many of Nigeria’s past tragedies could have been avoided if the country had developed and fairly enforced laws that guaranteed equal rights and freedoms for all citizens.
He described the failures that produced such crises as failures of leadership and called for lessons from the past to be applied to Nigeria’s future.
Obi said historical mistakes should not permanently define a nation, arguing that painful experiences could instead become catalysts for development.
He cited Japan, South Korea and China as examples of countries that used difficult periods in their histories to pursue economic and institutional transformation.
He also pointed to Rwanda, saying Nigeria could learn from how the country has sought to turn the painful experience of the genocide into a drive for national unity and development.
For Obi, the key lesson is that effective leadership must focus on what unites Nigerians rather than exploit historical, ethnic and religious divisions.
“My responsibility as Nigerian President is to turn the pains and tragedies of the past into opportunities to make Nigeria united, stable, and prosperous,” he said.
The NDC candidate said Nigeria needed leadership that believed in the potential of every part of the country and recognised its human and natural resources as assets for national development.
He said no Nigerian should suffer discrimination or disadvantage because of ethnicity, religion or social background.
Obi also said he was prepared to listen to Nigerians, address issues that matter to voters and lead efforts to build a better future.
“Our past is important, but our past is not our destiny. Our future is what we do with our past. Our past is our resource for national transformation,” he said.
He concluded with the NDC campaign slogan, “A New Nigeria is POssible.”