Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has denounced a deliberate attempt to blackmail him through manipulated videos, aimed at tarnishing his image and fitting him into a malicious narrative.
The controversy began when Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, tweeted a video alleging that Peter Obi declared war on Northerners. However, Obi clarified that the video was taken out of context from his keynote speech in Anambra State, where he actually spoke about declaring war on economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.
Another video circulating online, supposedly showing Obi leading a protest in Abuja, was also debunked as false. The video was actually taken during his visit to the Labour Party HQ, where he mediated a clash between the party and the NLC.
Obi condemned the spread of misinformation, emphasizing the importance of truth and honesty in democracy. He remains committed to his vision of a new Nigeria, prioritizing justice, equity, and citizen welfare over the interests of a few.
He said, “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.”
This incident raises concerns about the role of misinformation in Nigerian politics and the need for critical scrutiny of information in the public domain.
