The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has challenged Nigerians to stop allowing the country’s painful history to define its future, saying past tragedies must become lessons for national transformation.

Obi made the call via his X handle on Thursday while responding to reactions to his recent discussion on the 1966 coups, the civil war and other difficult chapters in Nigeria’s history.

He said some Nigerians contacted him after an Arise News interview in which he was asked about the 1966 coups, expressing concern over the subject.

Obi, however, said he was prepared to answer any question about Nigeria because a leader must have the courage to confront the country’s difficult realities.

According to him, Nigeria’s major tragedies were worsened by leadership failures, particularly the failure to guarantee equal rights, protect freedoms, and enforce the law fairly.

He argued that the country must learn from its past instead of remaining trapped by it.

Obi cited Japan, South Korea, China under Deng Xiaoping and Rwanda as examples of countries that turned painful experiences into opportunities for development, unity and national renewal.

He said Nigeria could do the same by building a system where every citizen has equal opportunity, regardless of ethnicity, religion or social background.

“My past is important, but our past is not our destiny,” Obi stated, stressing that what matters is what Nigerians do with the lessons of history.

The former Anambra State governor said his ambition was to transform the country’s pains and tragedies into opportunities for building a united, stable and prosperous Nigeria.

He also said Nigeria’s different regions possess enough human and natural resources to become productive and prosperous if properly managed.

Obi added that he would remain willing to listen to Nigerians, address their concerns and confront difficult national questions rather than avoid them.

He said the country needed leadership focused on what unites Nigerians and committed to building a future in which no citizen suffers discrimination because of identity or background.

“Our past is our resource for national transformation,” Obi said.

He reiterated his commitment to the vision of the NDC, anchored on the belief that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”