Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has refuted the recent rumours about his arrest, calling them “recurring fake news.”
Social media posts had claimed that Obi had been apprehended in Abuja.
However, in a statement shared on his X handle on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor clarified that the reports were false and that he is currently at his home in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Obi reminded the public of similar falsehoods that were spread last September, alleging that the Department for State Security (DSS) had raided his residence while he was in Rwanda.
The Labour Party leader condemned the spread of such malicious rumours, asserting that the individuals behind these claims had ulterior motives.
He also urged Nigerians to remain focused on addressing the nation’s pressing challenges instead of being distracted by baseless gossip.
The post reads, “I have been made aware of circulating fake news about my alleged arrest. Let me state unequivocally that these claims are entirely false. I am currently at my home in Onitsha, Anambra State.”
He continued, “This pattern of fake news has become a regular activity for certain individuals. Last year in September, when I was in Rwanda, similar lies circulated that the DSS had invaded my house; now, while I’m in Onitsha, they claim I was arrested in Abuja. The motives behind these rumours are not positive, and I urge everyone not to let these distractions take our attention away from the critical challenges we face as a nation.”
Obi thanked the public for their concern and unwavering support for his vision of a better Nigeria.
Earlier this week, Obi had alleged threats to his life following his criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s government in his New Year message.
This came after a statement from the national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, who was quoted as saying that Obi had “crossed the line many times” and would face consequences for his actions.
Morka later denied issuing any threats against Obi or his family.
