Galadima Urges Nigerians Not to Blame Peter Obi for 1966 Coup
Buba Galadima, a senior figure in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said that Peter Obi had no role in the 1966 military takeover and should not be held accountable for the actions of others.
He pointed to former Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who was pardoned after the civil war and later returned to Nigerian politics, as an example of how reconciliation can work.
Galadima stressed that healing Nigeria’s ethnic divides requires dialogue and constructive engagement, even as the NDC works to build support for a Peter Obi‑Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket.
He acknowledged that the alliance faces challenges but insisted the problems are not insurmountable, echoing his own words: “We have a lot of problems… we will overcome those problems.”
To illustrate his point, Galadima cited the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, noting that despite past killings, both sides remain at the negotiating table.
He also shared a personal anecdote about a friend, Dr D. N. Okechukwu, who faced hostility when discussing the 1966 coup with a northern leader who blamed Igbos for past killings.
He asked rhetorically how old Peter Obi was in 1966 and argued that even if Obi had been involved, the blame should not be placed on him.
Galadima concluded by urging Nigerians to examine both sides of history, noting the suffering of Igbos as well, and to pursue peace and unity moving forward.
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