2027: Obi Sounds Alarm on National Cohesion, Says Nigeria Still Deeply Divided

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has used his screening appearance under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to deliver a stark warning about Nigeria’s fragile unity, insisting the country remains deeply divided along social, economic, and political lines.
Speaking in Abuja after being cleared to contest the party’s presidential primary, Obi said Nigeria’s most urgent challenge is not politics or elections, but the absence of genuine national cohesion.
He argued that decades of insecurity, widening poverty, and declining trust in governance have weakened the sense of shared identity among citizens, leaving many Nigerians feeling excluded from the national project.
According to him, rebuilding that sense of belonging would form the foundation of his 2027 agenda if elected president, stressing that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and fragmentation.
Obi maintained that Nigeria’s current realities demand a leadership style that prioritises stability and inclusion over political competition, noting that citizens increasingly struggle with basic survival needs, from safety to food security.
He also warned that corruption and unequal access to opportunities continue to deepen resentment across regions, further straining the country’s unity.
The former governor called for a return to governance anchored on fairness, accountability, and strict adherence to constitutional principles, particularly in ensuring that no group feels marginalised in national decision-making.
The NDC screening committee, led by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, confirmed Obi’s clearance after reviewing his credentials, governance record, and policy direction in a session described as thorough and transparent.
Obi, however, noted that the process should not be mistaken for a foregone conclusion, insisting that internal party democracy must still run its full course.
His remarks come at a time of growing political repositioning ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition figures increasingly testing alliances and platforms in anticipation of a highly competitive race.
For Obi, the central message from the exercise was clear: Nigeria’s biggest task is not winning elections, but rebuilding a fractured sense of nationhood.