Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has strongly denied accusations of declaring war against Northerners, attributing the claims to a smear campaign by individuals pushing hidden agendas.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, Obi addressed the distortion of his keynote speech in Anambra State during the installation of Rotarian Professor A. U. Nnonyelu. He clarified that the edited video misrepresented his words, which were aimed at combating economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption, not inciting conflict against any region.
Obi also refuted another misleading video circulating online, which was purported to show him leading a protest in Abuja. He explained that the footage actually came from his visit to the Labour Party Headquarters, where he was involved in mediating a dispute between the Labour Party and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“This video was manipulated to craft a false narrative, and those behind it have been paid to spread such misinformation,” Obi stated. “This type of deceit undermines our democracy, where truth and transparency must prevail.”
The presidential aspirant also condemned the recent genocidal threats against the Igbo tribe circulating on social media, which have called for the relocation of Igbos from Lagos.
“I warn that such rhetoric endangers our unity and contravenes our Constitution, which ensures every Nigerian’s right to live and work freely anywhere in the country,” Obi emphasized.
He called on authorities to “investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this dangerous agenda,” asserting that such actions would deter others from engaging in similar threats to national security and unity.
Obi urged Nigerians to come together against divisive rhetoric and to foster unity, tolerance, and understanding. He also emphasized the need for government and security agencies to safeguard citizens from discrimination and persecution.
“We can only overcome our national challenges if we unite as one people under God,” he concluded.
