Leaders of the Hausa and Northern communities in Anambra State have dismissed allegations that former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, discriminated against northerners or ordered the demolition of a mosque during his tenure.
The community leaders, who spoke to journalists in Awka and Onitsha, described the allegations as politically motivated and intended to damage Obi’s reputation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They maintained that Obi’s relationship with the northern community remained cordial throughout his tenure as governor and that many northerners benefited from policies and programmes implemented by his administration.
Among those who spoke were the Secretary of the Hausa Community in Onitsha and Secretary of the Northern Community in Anambra and Delta States, Mahmud Ibrahim; the traditional ruler of the Hausa Community in Awka, Alhaji Garba Haruna; and the Chairman of the Northern Community in Anambra State, Alhaji Gidado Sidikki.
According to the leaders, allegations that Obi forced northerners to obtain identification cards as a condition for living in Anambra were false.
They also denied claims that the former governor demolished a mosque belonging to the northern community.
Ibrahim said the mosque in question was demolished before Obi assumed office as governor in March 2006.
“Our relationship with Mr Peter Obi during his tenure as governor and even now is cordial. We want to say that the rumours that he demolished our mosque while he was governor are untrue.
“The mosque they are making reference to was demolished before Obi became governor in 2006. It was demolished during a reprisal on us as a result of the Sharia crisis in February 2006, while Obi became governor in March of the same year.
“As a matter of fact, it was Obi who came and visited us at the Army Barracks where we were staying as refugees. He later escorted us back to the mosque and donated money for its rebuilding. So, we do not understand what they are saying,” Ibrahim stated.
He also clarified the controversy surrounding identity cards, explaining that the northern community had independently decided to issue identification cards to its members.
“As for identity cards, I want to say that it was us, the Northern Community in Anambra State, that came together and decided that we would issue identity cards to all our brothers for identification.
“As for the ANIDS identity card, that one was for everybody. The governor, his commissioners and everyone in Anambra State had their own, just like myself. I have been the secretary since then, so I know what I am saying,” he added.
‘There Was No Discrimination’
The traditional ruler of the Hausa Community in Awka, Alhaji Garba Haruna, said he never witnessed discrimination against northerners during Obi’s administration.
Haruna said members of his family benefited from the former governor’s free education programme, while he personally benefited from government-sponsored Hajj.
“Our relationship since then and even now remains cordial. My children benefited from the free education, and I personally benefited from his sponsorship for Hajj.
“Our relationship has remained cordial, and even now that he is no longer the governor, he still relates well with us. He comes here for our functions and sends us gifts during Salah celebrations,” he said.
Haruna also recalled the continued relationship between Obi and other former governors of the state, noting that former Governor Chris Ngige still maintains a close relationship with the community.
“If there is any past governor that is close to Obi, it is Ngige, who comes here till today, despite not being governor or even vying for any position,” he added.
‘I Benefited From Obi’s Agricultural Loan’
The Chairman of the Northern Community in Anambra State, Alhaji Gidado Sidikki, said he was personally a beneficiary of Obi’s agricultural loan scheme.
Sidikki disclosed that he received an agricultural loan of N10 million during Obi’s administration, adding that the amount would be worth significantly more in today’s economy.
“The way they gave it to me was the way they gave everybody. There was no discrimination, and that was how everyone got it.
“We are surprised that even before he left as governor, he paid back the loan on our behalf,” Sidikki said.
He further disclosed that his son benefited from Obi’s free education programme and is currently pursuing a PhD in China.
“My son was also a beneficiary of Peter Obi’s free education, and the boy is in China doing his PhD today.
“I came here 40 years ago. I had my children here, and I have five graduates today, so I cannot say that Anambra is not good to me,” he said.
The northern community leaders said they would continue to support peaceful coexistence between northerners and indigenes of Anambra State.
They also expressed their intention to mobilise northerners resident in the state to support Obi when campaigns for the 2027 elections begin.
The leaders expressed optimism about Obi’s prospects in the 2027 presidential election, particularly with the possibility of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, playing a role in the political realignment ahead of the poll.
