The Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi has refuted the video making the rounds that he declared war on the northern region of the country.
Contrary to the video circulating online on Thursday, Mr. Obi equally debunked leading the #EndBadGovernance protest in Abuja.
He disclosed this in a series of posts on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, describing it as deliberate and well-orchestrated efforts by some individuals to blackmail him.
“I have noticed some deliberate and well-orchestrated efforts by some persons to blackmail me into conforming to some of their nefarious agendas. Their dubious moves have led to the false circulation of a video from my recent keynote speech at the installation of Rotarian Professor A. U. Nnonyelu in Anambra State.
“They have twisted the video to suit their motive to suggest that I declared war on Northerners when, in fact, I spoke about declaring war on economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.
“Another video circulating online, supposedly showing me leading a protest in Abuja, is also false. The video was actually taken during my visit to the Labour Party HQ, where I mediated a clash between the Labour Party and the NLC.
“The video was conveniently edited to create a false narrative, and those responsible have been paid to spread this misinformation. This kind of misinformation has no place in our democracy, where truth and honesty should prevail,” he stated.
He explained that the misrepresentation is part of a larger narrative of blackmail, aimed at fitting him into their malicious agenda – and reiterated that he remains committed to a new Nigeria where justice, equity, and caring for the citizens will prevail over the greed of a few.
The former Anambra State Governor added: “Similarly, and deeply disturbing, I have read genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation. Let me pointedly warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
“Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric. Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity.”
He urged all Nigerians to stand united against the divisive rhetoric, thereby championing unity, tolerance, and understanding, emphasising that “our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.”
Obi also said that the government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect the fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution, stressing that “we must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us. We can only overcome our national challenges if we act together as one people United under God.”
