The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has declared that his political movement is not seeking to Islamise or Christianise Nigeria, but to build a country where every citizen can live safely, prosper and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Obi made the declaration in Sokoto on Monday after paying a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, ahead of his town-hall engagements in the state.
“We do not seek to Islamise or Christianise anyone. We seek to build a Nigeria where every citizen can live safely, prosper, and have a genuine sense of belonging,” Obi said.
Obi was accompanied by his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and other members of his political team.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation to condole with the Sultan over the recent death of the Sardauna of Sokoto.
According to Obi, discussions with the Sultan focused on the challenges facing Nigeria, particularly insecurity, poverty and unemployment.
He said the Sultan reminded the delegation that leadership comes from Almighty Allah and carries a responsibility for which those entrusted with power would ultimately be held accountable.
Obi said the Sultan also stressed that Nigeria’s diversity of tribes, languages and faiths should be treated as a strength rather than a source of division.
The former Anambra State governor said the message aligned with his call for a united Nigeria in which citizens would have equal opportunities to live and prosper regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
He said his priority was to help secure the country, tackle poverty, create employment and restore citizens’ confidence in Nigeria.
Obi also disclosed that the Sultan recalled knowing him for almost 46 years, dating back to 1980 when Obi was a first-year student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The NDC candidate is in Sokoto for town-hall engagements as part of his political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
He ended his message with the campaign slogan, “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
