Nigeria cannot be rebuilt by weaponising lies that have long divided its people. Enough of the lies. Let the facts speak for a new Nigeria that is Possible
By Moses Okorie
The Peter Obi Media Office has called on Nigerians to dismiss allegations that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, discriminated against or maltreated Northerners during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
The appeal followed what the media office described as a renewed whisper campaign in some northern rural communities, where false claims about Obi’s relationship with Northerners are allegedly being circulated ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesman for the Peter Obi Media Office, Idris Zekeri Jnr., said the campaign was being sustained despite what he described as credible testimonies from Northern leaders in Anambra State.
According to him, the leaders had repeatedly affirmed that Obi supported Nigerians from the North during his administration and maintained cordial relationships with them after leaving office.
Zekeri alleged that some individuals were deliberately taking advantage of gatherings involving Northerners to spread unverified stories, apparently in the hope that constant repetition would make the allegations appear credible.
He challenged those promoting the claims to come forward with evidence.
“We challenge those behind this campaign to provide names, dates, records and verifiable evidence supporting their allegations,” he said.
The media office maintained that Obi, as governor, governed Anambra State in the interest of all residents, irrespective of ethnic or religious background.
It described the allegations as politically motivated attempts to create ethnic suspicion around the former governor as the 2027 election approaches.
The statement argued that political opponents who could not effectively challenge Obi’s record of competence, integrity and public service were resorting to misinformation and ethnic narratives.
The media office consequently urged Nigerians, especially those in northern communities, to verify political claims before accepting or circulating them.
“We urge our brothers and sisters in the North to seek facts, not rumours; evidence, not whispers; and policies, not propaganda,” the statement said.
It further warned that the continued use of ethnic narratives for political purposes could deepen divisions in the country at a time when Nigerians need unity to address the nation’s challenges.
“Nigeria cannot be rebuilt by weaponising lies that have long divided its people. Enough of the lies. Let the facts speak for a new Nigeria that is Possible,” the statement added.