‘Don’t blame me for 1966 coup, I was 4 years old’ — Obi
Politics
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The coup, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and other young military officers, resulted in the deaths of several political and military leaders, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to move beyond historical grievances and focus on building unity, saying he cannot be held responsible for events that happened when he was a child.
Obi made the statement during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show while responding to questions about the 1966 military coup and its lingering historical debates.
The coup, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and other young military officers, resulted in the deaths of several political and military leaders, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Reacting to attempts to link him with the events of that period, Obi said he was only about four years old when the coup occurred.
“You cannot hold what happened when I was barely three, four years against me. That’s in the past now.”
The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria must stop allowing historical conflicts to divide the country and instead focus on creating a united future.
“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.”
Obi said national unity would be central to his leadership vision if elected president, adding that Nigerians must work together regardless of historical differences.
“That’s why my presidency is about unity of the country, and it’s important that people understand that.”