Peter Obi Not Arrested, Storms EDO Today

……AHEAD OF 2023 ELECTIONS, LABOUR PARTY INTENSIFIES CAMPAIGN EFFORTS

In the run-up to the crucial governorship election in Edo State, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate,

Mr. Peter Obi, is set to arrive in Benin City, the state capital, today (Tuesday), to boost the campaign for the party’s governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata.

The visit is part of LP’s strategic push to mobilize voters ahead of the September 21 election.

Also expected to lend support is Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who will further bolster LP’s chances during the final days of campaigning.

Reports of Obi’s Arrest are Baseless – Aide Speaks Out

As anticipation builds for Mr. Peter Obi’s arrival, a separate narrative has been circulating online, claiming that the former Anambra State governor was allegedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at his residence in Anambra.

However, these reports have been firmly dismissed by Mr. Peter Obi’s media adviser, Valentine Obienyem.

In an official statement released earlier today, Mr. Obienyem categorically refuted the claims, calling them “entirely false and baseless.

” According to him, the rumor initially surfaced on Saturday but was swiftly debunked.

Despite the prompt denial, the false narrative has continued to gain traction on social media, spreading misinformation among the public.

Clarifying further, Mr. Obienyem stated that Mr. Peter Obi was not even in Anambra State during the period in question.

“As of Saturday, Mr. Peter Obi was in Rwanda attending to significant engagements,” Obienyem said.

“He has since returned to Nigeria and is currently in Edo State, where he is actively involved in both party and national matters.”

No Arrest, No DSS Operation at Obi’s Home

The media adviser also addressed another false claim—that Mr. Obi’s wife was allegedly arrested along with her husband—describing it as a “pure fabrication aimed at misleading the public and sowing unnecessary fear among supporters.”

He confirmed that there was no DSS operation at Mr. Peter Obi’s residence, nor was any arrest made.

In his statement, Mr. Obienyem urged the public to disregard such baseless rumors, advising them to stay alert against the spread of misinformation, especially as the political climate intensifies.

He emphasized that all official communication regarding Mr Peter Obi’s activities would be released through verified channels, ensuring transparency.

“Rumor-mongering in sensitive times such as this serves no good purpose,” Mr. Obienyem added. “We remain committed to keeping the public informed with accurate and timely updates.”

Labour Party’s Push in Edo: Obi and Otti Lead the Charge

Mr. Peter Obi’s visit to Edo State is highly anticipated, as he leads a high-profile campaign to rally support for Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate.

Akpata, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, has been gaining momentum as the LP strengthens its grassroots mobilization in the state.

With Governor Alex Otti of Abia State also joining the campaign trail, the Labour Party hopes to consolidate its growing political influence in the region.

The party’s focus has been on presenting a credible alternative to the ruling party, with Akpata positioning himself as a candidate with the vision and experience to deliver impactful governance.

Both Mr. Obi and Governor Otti are expected to engage with various community leaders, grassroots supporters, and stakeholders in Edo, reinforcing Labour Party’s message of good governance and accountability.

As the election date approaches, political observers are watching closely to see whether Labour Party’s efforts will translate into significant voter turnout,

especially with Obi’s popularity and the widespread desire for change that has characterized recent political discourse in Nigeria.

Conclusion: Obi Unfazed by Rumors, Focuses on National Progress

Despite the unfounded rumors surrounding his supposed arrest, Mr. Peter Obi remains focused on the tasks ahead, both in supporting Labour Party candidates and advocating for national progress.

His visit to Edo State underscores his continued commitment to seeing his party succeed at all levels of governance.

In the coming days, all eyes will be on Edo State as the election campaigns peak, and the Labour Party seeks to consolidate its presence in the state’s political landscape.

Amid this, Mr. Obi’s team remains vigilant, ensuring that accurate information is shared with the public, as they work to counter misinformation and guide the political narrative in the right direction.

LP Crisis: Peter Obi, Otti Write INEC for Validation of Stakeholders’ Meeting

Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, and Governor of Abia State,

Mr. Alex Otti, have officially notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the creation of a 29-member caretaker committee.

This committee is tasked with organizing the party’s congresses and national convention within a period not exceeding 180 days.

In a letter dated September 6, 2024, and jointly signed by Obi and Otti, they outlined the resolutions from an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held on September 4, 2024, in Umuahia, Abia State.

The letter, addressed to INEC’s national chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, formally introduced the caretaker committee members and emphasized the need for the party to restore its leadership structure.

It also informed the electoral body of the recent leadership crisis within Labour Party, referencing the deregulation of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) in June 2024 by INEC.

This decision followed a settlement agreement brokered by INEC on June 27, 2022.

The crisis had its roots in a consent court judgment delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole on March 20, 2018.

The settlement required that the Labour Party convene an all-inclusive national convention, preceded by ward, local government, and state congresses.

According to the letter, the 2023 general election delayed the implementation of this agreement, pushing it forward by one year to 2024.

However, Obi and Otti pointed out in the letter that the Abure-led NWC failed to adhere to the terms of the settlement when it organized a national convention in Nnewi in March 2024 without first holding ward, local government, and state congresses.

This failure, they argued, undermined the party’s integrity and created a leadership vacuum, depleting the National Executive Committee (NEC) to fewer than ten members.

In response to this leadership gap, the statutory executives of the party, including governors, deputy governors, legislators, surviving NEC members, and key stakeholders, met in Umuahia on September 4, 2024.

At this meeting, they resolved to establish a caretaker committee to oversee congresses and organize a national convention within 180 days to restore proper leadership at all levels of the party.

The letter also informed INEC of the appointment of Senator Nenadi Usman as the Chairman of the caretaker committee, with Senator Darlington Nwokocha serving as the Secretary.

The committee’s task is to ensure the smooth conduct of congresses and a convention that will restore democratic and inclusive leadership within Labour Party.

In a related development, Rev. Innocent Chukwudi Peace, National Coordinator of the Peter Obi Mandate Group (POMAG), urged all party members to set aside their differences and unite for the progress and stability of the party.

He emphasized the importance of working towards the greater goal of a New Nigeria, a vision that the OBIdient Movement has tirelessly championed.