The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has debunked the rumour making rounds that he declared war in the country, News About Nigeria reports.
He refuted this claim in a statement via his verified handle on X on Friday.
Peter Obi noted that it was a deliberate effort to blackmail him into conforming to nefarious agendas.
He stated that the rumours stem from the false circulation of a video from his recent keynote speech at the installation of Rotarian Professor A. U. Nnonyelu in Anambra State, adding that the video was twisted to suit their motive to suggest that he declared war on Northerners.
According to him, he spoke about declaring war on economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.
He also maintained that the video of him leading a protest in Abuja is false, and stated that the video was taken during his visit to the Labour Party HQ, where he mediated a clash between the Labour Party and the NLC.
“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.
“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,” he stated.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard such reports, as they are only out to blackmail him.
