Peter Obi responds to report that he was arrested

Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, has unequivocally denied circulating rumors about his alleged arrest. In a statement released via his verified Twitter account, Obi debunked the claims, describing them as entirely false and urging the public to disregard such baseless rumors.

In his tweet, Obi disclosed that he was made aware of fake news regarding his supposed arrest. “Let me state unequivocally that these claims are entirely false. I am currently at my home in Onitsha, Anambra State,” he clarified. This incident, he noted, is not the first time such misinformation has been spread about him.

“Recall last year September, when I was in Rwanda, similar lies had gone out that DSS invaded my house; now, while I was in my home in Onitsha, Anambra State, they said I was arrested in Abuja,” Obi recounted. He attributed these repeated attempts to a malicious agenda aimed at distracting the public and tarnishing his reputation.

Obi expressed concern over the prevalence of fake news in Nigerian politics, emphasizing that it has become a “pastime for some people.” He urged citizens to remain vigilant and not to allow baseless rumors to divert attention from the pressing challenges facing the nation. “The motive of these peddlers cannot be positive, but let us not allow baseless rumors to distract us from the critical challenges we face as a nation,” he stated.

Despite the persistent spread of misinformation, Obi acknowledged the public’s concern and support for his cause. “I thank the public for the concern, support, and dedication to the cause of a better Nigeria that is possible,” he said.

Obi’s tweet garnered significant engagement, with thousands of likes, retweets, and comments within hours of its publication. Supporters praised his clarity and composure in addressing the issue, while others criticized the persistent spread of false information about political leaders.

In a political climate rife with misinformation, Obi’s call for vigilance and focus on national challenges serves as a timely reminder of the importance of integrity in leadership. He urged Nigerians to remain undistracted by baseless rumors and to channel their energy toward building a better future for the country.