Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi has said that he will not descend low to take part in divisive ethnic politics, but will always “encourage all Nigerians to unite for a prosperous future.”
Obi made the statement on Thursday in reaction to the accusations of the Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi who on Wednesday accused him of trying to incite a section of the Igbo people.
Umahi had told journalists in Lagos that Obi’s caution on the proposed Coastal Highway planned by President Tinubu’s government to link Lagos with Calabar in the South South region amounted to an attempt to incite people against the government.
Umahi also said that Mr. Obi should apologise to President Tinubu for criticizing the government.
However, in his response, Obi said that Umahi was merely deploying a distractive tactics to divert attention and damage his (Obi’) character.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State reaffirmed his commitment to the unity of Nigeria saying that he will not be distracted by the likes of Umahi.
Part of Obi’s statement reads:
“Regarding allegations of incitement against the government, I firmly reject these unfounded accusations aimed at tarnishing my character.
“My focus is on fostering constructive dialogue and inclusivity, rather than engaging in divisive politics. Claims of incitement are baseless distractions. I have always advocated for unity and advancement, refusing to partake in reactionary divisive politics.
“I refuse to be reduced to the level of those who wallow in ethnic politics. Worse still, I have never and can never descend so low as to base my political aspirations on any sectional or ethnic interest
“My commitment to serving with integrity remains steadfast, and I encourage all Nigerians to unite for a prosperous future. In conclusion, I stand by my record as governor and reject any attempts to distort the narrative for political gain.
“My commitment remains unwavering: to advocate for the rights and well-being of all Nigerians, ensuring that development initiatives prioritize the needs of the people. Most importantly, I will continue to insist that our national resources be applied with maximum frugality.”
