Don’t blame me for 1966 coup, I was 4 years old’ — Peter Obi

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to move beyond historical grievances and focus on national cohesion, emphasizing that he cannot be held responsible for events that occurred during his childhood.
Obi made the statement during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show while addressing questions regarding the 1966 military coup and its lingering impact on national politics. The coup, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and other young military officers, resulted in the deaths of key political and military leaders, particularly from Northern Nigeria.
Rejecting attempts to link him to the political fallout of that era, the former Anambra State governor pointed out his age at the time.

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

He stressed that continuous focus on past conflicts hinders progress, calling on citizens to prioritize reconciliation and national integration.

“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,” he noted.

Obi reaffirmed that fostering national cohesion remains the core pillar of his political platform.

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