The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has described Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as qualified to become Nigeria’s president.
Obi made the statement on Monday during the inauguration of Makinde’s presidential campaign office in Abuja, where he called for unity among political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor said the 2027 election should not be driven by desperation, personal disagreements or political hostility, but by the collective desire to build a better Nigeria.
“We want a Nigeria of unity and inclusion. We have a candidate who is contesting for President today, my dear brother Makinde. Is he qualified to be President? Yes, he is qualified,” Obi said.
He also pledged to support whoever emerges as the winner of the 2027 presidential election, provided the election is free, fair and credible.
According to Obi, Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their next president, stressing that politicians should focus on addressing the challenges facing citizens rather than engaging in political quarrels.
“What we are doing today is not about desperation. We want Nigerians to make their choice. All of us should come together to build a new Nigeria. We can’t continue the way we are going; our people are hungry and poor,” he said.
Obi added that whoever wins the election through a free, fair and credible process would receive the cooperation of others to prevent the country from sliding into further crisis.
He said his presence at the inauguration was intended to demonstrate solidarity and promote a new approach to political engagement.
“That’s why I’m here to show solidarity and assure you that we are changing the system. We don’t want politics of quarrel or disagreement. Let our quarrel be to feed our people. We want a Nigeria where the child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody,” Obi said.
He stressed that Nigeria needs leaders who would prioritise the welfare of citizens above personal and partisan interests.
