Presidential aspirant Peter Obi of the Labour Party has raised alarms over what he terms a deliberate blackmail campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Obi claims that recent attempts to discredit him include the manipulation of a video from his keynote speech at the installation of Rotarian Professor A. U. Nnonyelu in Anambra State.
“I have noticed some deliberate and well-orchestrated efforts by certain individuals to blackmail me into conforming to their nefarious agendas,” Obi said.
He asserts that a video circulating online has been edited to falsely suggest he declared war on Northerners.
“In reality, my speech was about tackling economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.”
Obi also addressed another misleading video purportedly showing him leading a protest in Abuja. He clarified that the video actually depicts him mediating a clash between the Labour Party and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) at the Labour Party headquarters.
“The video was conveniently edited to create a false narrative, and those responsible have been paid to spread this misinformation,” Obi added.
The presidential hopeful condemned the spread of such falsehoods as a threat to democratic values and called for immediate action against those perpetuating these narratives.
Obi expressed alarm over genocidal threats against the Igbo tribe on social media platform X, emphasizing that such rhetoric undermines national unity and violates constitutional rights.
Obi urged Nigerian authorities to take decisive action to investigate and prosecute those involved in spreading divisive and dangerous propaganda.
He called on all Nigerians to unite against misinformation and champion tolerance and understanding.
“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,” Obi stated.
He concluded with a call for national unity, emphasizing that overcoming the country’s challenges requires collective effort and unity under the banner of common purpose.