Lagos — Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has condemned the spread of misleading videos aimed at discrediting him. In a statement posted on X.com on Friday, Obi addressed two videos that he claims have been manipulated to misrepresent his positions and actions.
Obi clarified that a video from his recent keynote speech in Anambra State was distorted to falsely suggest he had declared war on Northerners. He asserted that his actual focus was on combating economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.
Additionally, Obi debunked another video circulating online, which purportedly showed him leading a protest in Abuja. He explained that the footage was taken during his visit to the Labour Party headquarters, where he mediated a dispute between the party and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Obi accused those responsible for the video of intentionally editing it to create a misleading narrative.
“Their dubious moves have led to the false circulation of a video from my recent keynote speech,” Obi said. “This misrepresentation is part of a larger blackmail effort aimed at fitting me into their malicious agenda. I remain committed to a new Nigeria where justice, equity, and caring for the citizens will prevail over the greed of a few.”
Obi also expressed alarm over genocidal threats against the Igbo tribe circulating on social media, which call for their relocation. He warned that such rhetoric undermines national unity and urged authorities to take immediate action against those spreading these threats.
“Similarly, and deeply disturbing, I have read genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe,” Obi stated. “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.”
He called for a swift investigation and prosecution of those behind these threats to serve as a deterrent against actions that could harm national security and unity.
“I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding,” Obi added. “The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution. We must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us.”
Obi emphasized the need for collective action to address national challenges and to uphold the values of unity and inclusiveness.
