Nigeria needs unity and inclusivity to solve its growing issues, according to NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, who has expressed sympathy with APM presidential candidate Seyi Makinde.

At the launch of Makinde’s presidential campaign, Obi said that his fellow candidate was capable of leading the nation and urged a move away from polarising politics.

Speaking to supporters at the event, Obi stated that his appearance was motivated by a desire to let Nigerians freely select their choice leader rather than political desperation.

He stated that Makinde was eligible to run for president and emphasised that instead of getting into pointless arguments, political leaders should concentrate on rebuilding the nation.

“We have a candidate, who is contesting for president today, my dear brother, Seyi Makinde. Number one is, is he qualified to be president? Yes. He’s qualified. Yes. Yes.”

Obi claimed that Nigerians were dealing with serious social and economic issues, such as hunger, poverty, and inadequate healthcare, and he insisted that the nation’s current course could not continue.

The former presidential contender stated that in order to save Nigeria from further deterioration, everyone should support the winner of a free, fair, and legitimate election.

He highlighted that political rivalry should motivate leaders to compete over concepts and measures that enhance the lives of citizens rather than inciting animosity.

“What we are doing today is to show you, for us, it’s not about desperation. We want the people of Nigeria to make their choice. We choose people who come together to build a new Nigeria.”

“We cannot continue the way we are doing today. Our people are hungry. Our people are poor. Our people are ill. Whoever wins, genuinely, from a free, fair, credible election, all of us want to work together to save this country from collapse.”

Obi went on to say that his presence at Makinde’s campaign launch showed his support for a new political culture built on collaboration and the interests of the country.

The NDC candidate also urged political leaders to focus on addressing poverty and providing opportunity for common Nigerians, calling for a stop to politics based on personal disputes.

“We don’t want policies of quarrel, policies of disagreement. Let our quarrel be to feed our people.”

He concluded by advocating a Nigeria where opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of their family background or political connections.

“We want a Nigeria where a child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody. That’s what we want.”