Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has publicly addressed and clarified circulating allegations suggesting that he maintained a political relationship with the late Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha. Obi has now presented documented evidence to clarify the true nature of his interaction with the former military ruler, emphasizing that it was strictly professional and civic in nature.
In a detailed statement shared on Wednesday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi explained that during Abacha’s regime, he was co-opted into a government-appointed task force on port decongestion due to his experience as a businessman and trader. He stressed that this was his first and only direct encounter with Abacha, and it was motivated purely by concerns over national economic inefficiencies.
Obi wrote, “Our meeting with him was borne out of collective concern as traders and importers over the prolonged delays in clearing goods at the ports,” adding that, “We approached him not as political actors, but as concerned citizens seeking pragmatic solutions to the crisis affecting trade and commerce.”
He further elaborated, “I had never met General Sani Abacha before that encounter. Our intention was clear: to advocate for efficiency, and to propose practical steps towards restoring normalcy in port operations for the benefit of Nigerian businesses and the wider economy.”
To reinforce his claim, Obi shared an official letter confirming his co-option into the task force. According to him, “I hereby attach the letter which documents my co-opting, along with others, into the Taskforce on the decongestion of the Ports.”
Peter Obi emphasized that his involvement was never political but driven by a deep sense of civic duty and responsibility to the country. “This clarification is offered in the interest of truth, to reaffirm that our actions were driven solely by a sense of civic duty and a desire to support initiatives that benefit ordinary Nigerians,” he stated.
Addressing those who continue to spread misinformation, Obi noted, “I don’t expect this copious evidence to bury this Abacha case because the mischief makers have ulterior motives, but it’s being placed in the public space for posterity and in line with my transparency pledge to the Nigerian people.”
He reiterated his commitment to openness and accountability, urging the public to focus on facts rather than politically motivated rumors and fabricated stories aimed at discrediting his reputation and service record.
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