Valentine Obienyem, media adviser to Peter Obi the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) has vehemently condemned recent allegations accusing Obi of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Obienyem described the claims as not only “absurd” but also “reckless, seditious, and a dangerous joke taken too far.”
In a strongly worded statement titled “Coup Plot Allegation: A Dangerous Joke Taken Too Far,” made available to Vanguard, Obienyem lashed out at the accuser, one Abayomi Arabambi, who reportedly petitioned security agencies alleging a coup conspiracy involving prominent figures, including Mr. Obi.
According to Obienyem, Arabambi’s petition claims that Peter Obi, in collaboration with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, Senator Victor Umeh, and members of the Nenadi Usman faction, are working to topple President Tinubu’s democratically elected government.
Obienyem rebuked the allegation, stating,
“This is not just a ridiculous claim it is extremely dangerous. Coup plotting is no trivial accusation; it’s a grave national security offense. Why hasn’t Arabambi been arrested or interrogated? In any serious country, someone who makes such weighty claims would be brought in for questioning immediately.”
He questioned the motives behind Arabambi’s accusation and criticized the broader political culture that allows such serious allegations to be made without consequences.
“In a functional society, the accuser would be held to account and required to provide concrete evidence. If the allegations are baseless and all indications point in that direction then Arabambi should face prosecution for spreading dangerous falsehoods,” he added.
Obienyem also warned of the broader implications of such rhetoric:
“Throwing around coup allegations as a political insult is not only irresponsible it borders on treason itself. These statements can incite unrest, destabilize institutions, and erode public trust. This isn’t politics; it’s madness dressed in propaganda.”
He urged Nigerians to rise above political desperation and factional infighting, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of democratic institutions.
“Nigeria deserves more mature politics. Our political disputes must not endanger national stability or security. The line must be drawn.”
The statement marks a firm pushback against what Obienyem describes as “frivolous and inflammatory tactics” used in political rivalry, especially at a time when the country faces serious governance and security challenges.
