In a bold rebuttal to recent accusations, former Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi has vehemently denied any involvement in the tumultuous events surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
Refuting what he described as a “desperate” smear campaign, Obi clarified that while he supported MKO Abiola and cast his vote for him, he had no direct role in the political struggle of that era.
In a statement issued by his media team, Peter Obi categorically dismissed the “false and malicious claims” linking him to Arthur Nzeribe’s Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), an organization implicated in the controversial annulment of the election results.
His media spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar, stated that these “baseless stories” were being revived by those with questionable motives, targeting Obi with fabricated accusations.
Obi, who was not politically active at the time of the June 12 crisis, revealed that he had relocated to the UK post-election.
There, he thrived in the business world, running successful ventures backed by international financial institutions, a testament to his well-regarded reputation for integrity.
The former Anambra State Governor, who was an admirer of Abiola, emphasized that during his university years at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, not political involvement.
His only link to the 1993 election was through his connection with late Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, with whom he shared a common respect for Abiola.
In an effort to clear his name, Obi further dismantled accusations that he had benefitted from military rule, clarifying that he never held any government position before his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.
He admitted to briefly serving on a port decongestion advocacy committee during General Sani Abacha’s regime, but emphasized that his role was strictly non-political and lasted less than four months.
The statement concluded with a strong defense of Obi’s character, lamenting that individuals seeking to tarnish his reputation were resorting to these unfounded lies.
“This is the man some are desperately trying to defame, despite his history of integrity, service, and leadership,” it said.
In his own words, Peter Obi remains steadfast in his belief that his political and business successes were founded on transparency and hard work—values that continue to drive his journey, far removed from the lies being peddled by those with ill intent.
