The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has denied declaring war on northerners.

Obi, a two-term former governor of Anambra State, said a video of him declaring war on economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption in Nigeria was twisted by some individuals bent on blackmailing him.

The former governor said this in a statement shared on his X account on Friday, August 2, 2024.

He noted: “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.

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“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 also denied leading a protest in Abuja, describing a video showing him leading the demonstration in the nation’s capital on Thursday, August 1, as false.

Obi added: “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.”

The Star