2027: Anti-North Allegations Against Peter Obi Will Not Succeed — Former PDP Spokesman
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
E-ISSN:2354-4481
A former Publicity Secretary of the Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Nnamdi Nwangwu, has dismissed claims portraying presidential hopeful Peter Obi as anti-North, describing the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated.
Nwangwu, who is now a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), made the remarks while speaking with journalists at his residence in Uruagu, Nnewi. He argued that the recurring narrative seeking to depict Obi as hostile to Northern interests lacks a factual basis and is unlikely to gain public acceptance.
According to him, the allegations are part of a broader campaign aimed at undermining Obi's growing popularity and acceptance across different regions of the country ahead of the 2027 general election.
He maintained that Obi's public record and personal conduct do not support the claims being circulated by political opponents, adding that those behind the campaign have resorted to misinformation because they are unable to fault the former Anambra governor on issues of integrity and governance.
Nwangwu further recalled that during Obi's tenure as Governor of Anambra State, he maintained an open-door policy toward residents from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, including members of Northern communities living in the state.
He stated that Obi regularly engaged with Hausa and other non-indigenous groups through meetings and interactive sessions held at government lodges in Amawbia and Onitsha, providing platforms for dialogue and inclusion.
According to him, the outreach extended beyond the Hausa community to include Yoruba residents and citizens from other parts of Nigeria residing in Anambra State, whom he said benefited from the administration's inclusive approach to governance.
Nwangwu noted that such engagements were often used to introduce social support initiatives aimed at assisting vulnerable individuals, including economically disadvantaged persons and unaccompanied minors, irrespective of their ethnic origin.
He described Anambra State's longstanding reputation as the "Light of the Nation" as one that was reflected in Obi's governance style, which, he said, promoted inclusion, social welfare, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
The former PDP spokesman also emphasized that Obi sustained cordial relationships with Northern and Muslim communities throughout his eight years in office, creating opportunities for collaboration and access to various welfare programmes implemented by the state government.
He urged Nigerians to critically assess political narratives and rely on verifiable records when evaluating candidates seeking elective office, rather than on what he described as divisive and misleading propaganda.
