A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, has acknowledged challenges in the efforts to build support for a Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Galadima, however, insisted that although the alliance has encountered resistance, the difficulties are not insurmountable.
He made the remarks while speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.
Galadima also urged Nigerians not to hold NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi responsible for the events surrounding the 1966 military coup, noting that Obi had no involvement in the historical incident.
He said individuals should not be judged based on the actions of others, adding that national unity requires moving beyond historical grievances.
The NDC chieftain cited the late Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who was pardoned after the Nigerian Civil War and later returned to participate in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He further argued that discussions about the 1966 crisis should recognise that people from different ethnic groups, including the Igbo, also suffered significant losses.
Galadima maintained that reconciliation and constructive engagement remain essential to overcoming Nigeria’s political and ethnic divisions.
“We have a lot of problems. We are having a lot of problems, but the problems are not insurmountable. We will overcome those problems.
“Let me give you one typical example. There is a war right now going on in the Middle East between America and Iran, but at the same time, they are on the negotiation table.
“So it doesn’t matter. You should know that the Americans killed their Ayatollah, the new leader’s father, but they are still negotiating to make peace.
“I have a friend, Dr D. N. Okechukwu, who wrote a book about the 1966 coup. He went to see a prominent northern leader, and the man said he didn’t want to see him because Igbos killed our leaders. He said, ‘You have to listen to me.’
“Did Obi? How old was Obi in 1966? How would he carry the cross of those who did it? It doesn’t matter even if he did it.
“You’ve just shown me Odumegwu Ojukwu. His actions caused the death of his own people and others, but he was forgiven, pardoned, returned to Nigeria and participated in the electoral process.
“So, if what these people are saying is true, that Igbos killed our leaders, have they also looked at the other side? How
many Igbos also got killed?”
