Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised an alarm over deliberate attempts to blackmail him through manipulated videos.
Obi addressed allegations that he called for war against Northerners and led hunger protests in Abuja, clarifying that the circulating videos are doctored to tarnish his reputation.
Obi specifically pointed to a video shared by controversial social media influencer Reno Omokri, which purportedly showed him inciting violence against Northerners during his speech at the inauguration of Professor A.U. Nnonyelu. He explained that the video had been edited and misrepresented his actual message.
“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,” Obi stated.
Additionally, Obi addressed another video showing him purportedly leading protests in Abuja. He clarified that the footage was actually from a visit to the Labour Party headquarters, where he mediated a dispute between the Labour Party and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). He emphasized that this video was also edited to create a false narrative.
“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,” he explained.
Obi lamented the spread of such misinformation and warned against the harmful impact on Nigeria’s democracy. He reiterated his commitment to justice, equity, and the well-being of citizens, standing firm against any attempts to manipulate public perception.
“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.
