By Jude Opara
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged his political opponents to produce evidence of his alleged high-handedness against Northerners when he was governor of Anambra State or stop the campaign of calumny.
Obi, who spoke through Idris Zekeri, spokesman for the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), said there was credible intelligence that some people were spreading a narrative, particularly in rural areas of the North, that he treated Northerners harshly while serving as governor.
Zekeri said the aim of those peddling the rumours was to paint Obi in a negative light before northern voters as the 2027 presidential election draws nearer.
“The circulation of this falsehood regarding Peter Obi’s relationship with Northerners during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State has persisted despite credible denials from Northern leaders in Anambra State, who have explicitly stated that Obi was, and remains, a vital supporter of theirs both in and out of office.
“Despite the clear facts, some individuals continue to covertly plant these false narratives at Northern gatherings, hoping that repeated claims will eventually seem convincing.
“We challenge those behind this campaign to provide names, dates, records and verifiable evidence supporting their allegations. They should cease hiding behind whispered accusations and political propaganda.”
The statement added that, contrary to the claims of those behind the alleged smear campaign, Obi governed Anambra State for all residents, irrespective of their ethnicity or creed.
“Peter Obi governed Anambra State for all its residents, regardless of ethnicity or religion. His relationship with Nigerians from the North was not based on the falsehoods now being fabricated for political gain.
“The timing is revealing. As the 2027 election approaches, those unable to challenge Peter Obi on his competence, integrity and public service record are resorting to the oldest political weapon—ethnic suspicion and misinformation.
“We urge our brothers and sisters in the North to seek facts, not rumours; evidence, not whispers; and policies, not propaganda.”
Zekeri cautioned that Nigeria could not be rebuilt by weaponising lies that have long divided its people along ethnic and religious lines.
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