Peter Obi Says Nigerians Should Stop Blaming Him Over 1966 Coup

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on Nigerians to stop allowing events from the past to continue creating division in the country.

Obi made the statement during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, while responding to questions about the 1966 military coup and its impact on Nigeria’s political history.

The former Anambra State governor said it was unfair to connect him personally to events that happened when he was only a young child.

Obi Says He Was Only a Child

The 1966 coup took place more than 60 years ago and involved a group of young military officers led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and others.

The coup resulted in the deaths of several important political and military leaders. The incident also contributed to serious political tension between different parts of Nigeria and became one of the events that shaped the country’s later history.

While discussing the issue, Obi said he could not be blamed for something that happened when he was only about three or four years old.

He argued that Nigerians should not continue to hold individuals responsible for historical events simply because of their background or where they come from.

‘You Cannot Hold Me Responsible’

Obi said:

“You cannot hold what happened when I was barely three, four years against me. That’s in the past now.”

His comment was in response to attempts to connect him with the political consequences of the 1966 coup and the divisions that followed it.

According to Obi, Nigeria needs to look beyond historical grievances if the country is to make meaningful progress.

He suggested that continuously reopening old conflicts could make it more difficult for Nigerians from different backgrounds to work together.

Obi Calls for Love and Unity

The presidential candidate urged Nigerians to focus more on reconciliation, peace and national unity.

He said the future of Nigeria should be built on love rather than hatred and division.

Obi said:

“But we must build the future based on love, not on hatred. So it is time to show love. It is time to show unity.”

His message comes amid continued political debates over Nigeria’s history, ethnic relations and the need for greater cooperation among citizens from different regions.

‘My Presidency Is About Unity’

Obi also used the opportunity to explain what he described as one of the major goals of his political ambition.

He said national unity remains an important part of his plan for Nigeria and that Nigerians need to understand that his political message is focused on bringing people together.

According to him:

“That’s why my presidency is about unity of the country, and it’s important that people understand that.”

He therefore called for a change in the way Nigerians approach historical disagreements.

Why the 1966 Coup Remains Important

The January 1966 military coup remains one of the most significant events in Nigeria’s political history.

The coup led to major changes in the country’s leadership and increased political tension between different regions.

The events that followed contributed to further instability and eventually played a role in the chain of events that led to the Nigerian Civil War.

More than six decades later, the events of that period still come up during political discussions, particularly when issues of ethnicity, regional identity and national unity are being debated.

Obi Wants Nigeria to Look Forward

For Obi, however, the focus should be on finding ways to build a better future rather than allowing historical disagreements to continue dividing Nigerians.

He argued that the country needs leaders and citizens who can promote unity and encourage people from different ethnic and regional backgrounds to work together.

His comments also highlight the long-running debate about how Nigeria should deal with difficult moments in its history.

While history remains important, Obi’s position is that Nigerians should learn from the past without allowing it to prevent the country from moving forward.

Focus on National Cohesion

Obi’s call for unity is also part of the wider political discussion ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Political parties and their candidates are expected to present different ideas on how Nigeria can address its economic, security and social challenges.

For Obi, national cohesion is a key part of that conversation.

He wants Nigerians to put aside hatred and divisions and focus on building a country where citizens can work together regardless of their ethnic or regional background.

His latest comments therefore place national unity at the centre of his political message as preparations for the 2027 election continue.