The Labour Party (LP) has vehemently denied accusations that its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is involved in the planned nationwide protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The allegations, made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, claim that Obi’s supporters are organizing the protests.
In a statement issued by LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party described Onanuga’s claims as unfounded and imaginary. “There is no truth in Onanuga’s allegations. The Labour Party is known for its peaceful conduct, and neither Peter Obi nor our supporters are planning any protests. These accusations are purely delusional,” Ifoh stated.
The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) echoed the party’s stance, labeling the allegations as wild and baseless. POMR spokesperson Yunusa Tanko suggested that these unfounded claims are part of a strategy to arrest Obi and stifle his advocacy for good governance. “Peter Obi has always been a proponent of peaceful dialogue, even under provocation. This smear campaign is designed to distract Nigerians from the administration’s shortcomings,” Tanko explained.
The Labour Party highlighted that peaceful protests are a constitutional right and not orchestrated by opposition parties. They urged the government to focus on solving the nation’s issues instead of blaming opposition figures. “It’s misleading to attribute citizens’ dissatisfaction solely to opposition influence. The government should address the root causes of public frustration,” the statement read.
Kennedy Ahanotu, the National Youth Leader of the LP, cautioned against any attempts to unlawfully arrest Obi, describing such actions as an affront to democracy. “Peter Obi has consistently urged his supporters to remain peaceful. Any attempt to detain him without cause will be seen as a direct attack on Nigerian citizens who believe in the possibility of a better Nigeria,” Ahanotu asserted.
The Labour Party reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy and called on the government to implement policies that address the country’s pressing challenges. They also advised presidential aides to avoid making inflammatory statements that could further destabilize the nation.
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