Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has raised alarm over an alleged plan by some persons to blackmail him.
Peter Obi said the videos in circulation alleging that he called for war against Northerners and that he led hunger protesters in Abuja were aimed at attacking his reputation.
Obi said the video posted by controversial social media influencer, Reno Omokri, on his speech at the inauguration of Professor A.U Nnonyelu was edited and did not reflect what he said.
He said contrary to the video circulated online by Reno, he called for war against economic hardship, insecurity and corruption. He explained that he did not declare war on Northerners.
“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,” he explained.
The Labour Party chieftain also clarified that the video of leading protesters in Abuja, on day one of the hunger protest was edited. He stated that the circulated video was taken during his visit to LP’s headquarters in Abuja. He added that he was at the headquarters to mediate clashes between LP and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Obi lamented that the videos were edited to create false narratives. He said those who posted and spread on social media were paid for it. He advised that misinformation will not help Nigeria’s democracy.
“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.
“This misrepresentation is part of a larger narrative of blackmail, 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 added.
