Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed reports alleging he sought a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to Rome. Obi described the claims as baseless, malicious, and part of a smear campaign orchestrated by paid blackmailers.
In a statement shared on his 𝕏 account, Obi clarified that his trip to Rome was solely for spiritual purposes, including attending the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV. He accused detractors of twisting his solemn visit into a narrative aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
“It’s obvious that the biggest business for blackmailers now is talking about Peter Obi from every negative perspective,” he said.
He labeled the reports, including claims of a ₦225 billion debt crisis involving Fidelity Bank, as completely false and fabricated.
Obi categorically stated he has not sought or attended any private meeting with President Tinubu since the latter assumed office. He noted that the only interaction they had was a brief exchange of greetings during the Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
“I was in Rome for the lying in state of Pope Francis on May 9, and after the Mass, I proceeded to London before returning to Nigeria,” Obi explained.
He emphasized that his itinerary had no room for any clandestine meetings as alleged.
Addressing another rumor, Obi denied owning Fidelity Bank, clarifying his role as a former chairman and director of the institution. He stressed that Fidelity Bank has over 500,000 shareholders, none of whom, including himself, hold a majority stake.
“The self-proclaimed ‘blackmailer-in-chief’ and others seek to harm hardworking Nigerians and disrupt the lives of Fidelity Bank’s shareholders,” Obi stated..
He called out the deliberate misinformation designed to cause unnecessary distress.
In a pointed message to those spreading falsehoods, Obi expressed disappointment in their actions but extended a prayer for their redemption.
“May God grant you gratitude and understanding to realize that no one profits from evil ways,” he stated.
Obi urged the public to disregard the unfounded claims and focus on genuine efforts to address Nigeria’s challenges. He called for collective responsibility to rise above divisive and malicious tactics.
The former Anambra governor reiterated his commitment to service, integrity, and truth while condemning the blackmail industry thriving on fabricated narratives against him.
