Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has refuted allegations that he made divisive statements about Northern Nigerians, labeling these claims as false and a deliberate distortion of his views.
In a statement on his official social media channels, Obi affirmed that the alleged comments were fabricated and did not align with his beliefs or the message he has consistently conveyed throughout his political journey.
That never took place, Obi asserted, emphasizing that he had never expressed thoughts intended to incite division or foster regional, ethnic, or religious tensions within any region of the country.
The former governor of Anambra State reiterated his dedication to Nigeria’s unity, emphasizing his vision of national cohesion, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or geographic location.
Obi pointed out that those distributing the purported remarks aim to create unnecessary tension and divert Nigerians from the pressing issues facing the nation, such as economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and governance challenges.
He encouraged the public to verify information before circulating it on social media and cautioned against spreading misinformation that could exacerbate divisions among Nigerians.
Obi also called on his supporters and the general populace to remain peaceful and committed to fostering constructive political dialogue, highlighting that Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a source of conflict.
This clarification comes in the midst of heightened political activity leading up to the 2027 general election, with notable political figures increasingly becoming targets of misinformation and disinformation campaigns on social media.
Political analysts note that this incident highlights the growing challenge posed by fake news in Nigeria’s political sphere and underscores the necessity for citizens to rely on verified sources before accepting or sharing politically sensitive information.
