Peter Obi’s ‘One Nigeria’ Message Raises Questions About Restructuring

I watched part of Peter Obi’s widely discussed Channels Television interview with Seun Okinbaloye. About 20 minutes in, I felt disappointed by what I saw as his repeated effort to reassure northern Fulani viewers that he would protect the idea of “One Nigeria” if elected president. My concern is simple: if Peter Obi is not seeking a referendum, genuine restructuring or self-determination for the Igbo people, why should Igbos commit their resources to his campaign? To me, his emphasis on unity appears to overlook the ethnic profiling, marginalisation and systemic injustice many Igbos say they have faced. I believe an Obi presidency could become focused on appeasing powerful northern interests, much like I believe happened during the Goodluck Jonathan administration. In my view, Nigeria needs an honest conversation about restructuring, the 1999 Constitution and the possibility of a referendum, rather than continued appeals for unity without addressing the country’s underlying problems. For these reasons, I question whether Peter Obi’s presidential ambition is truly aimed at resolving the concerns of Igbos and Nigerians, or primarily at achieving a personal political goal.

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