LP knocks Seun Kuti for accusing Obi of tax evasion

The Labour Party Campaign Council has denied allegations made by singer Seun Kuti that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his family do not pay tax to the Anambra State government, where Obi previously served as governor. Seun, the son of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, raised the claim amid a heated political debate with fellow musician Peter Okoye (Mr P of P‑Square) on social media. In an interview with Mic On Podcast, hosted by Channels TV’s Seun Okinbaloye, Kuti described Obi as “the Internet’s favourite,” a capitalist and an opportunist who cannot deliver for Nigeria. His remarks angered Mr P, who responded on Twitter and Instagram, accusing Kuti of erasing his father’s legacy and questioning why only Nigerians, not candidates like Obi, could save the country.

In a viral video seen by our correspondent on Thursday, Kuti alleged that Obi’s family left Anambra underdeveloped while investing money earned in Nigeria in Panama. He asked, “Why is Obi family’s money in Panama?” and argued that the family’s tax avoidance explains the state’s poor infrastructure. Kuti claimed that Obi’s wealth is hidden in a tax haven, preventing Nigerians from benefiting from it, and accused the former governor of lacking patriotism. He contrasted his own practice—keeping all earnings in Nigeria—with Obi’s alleged offshore holdings, and criticized the perceived inconsistency of P‑Square’s political endorsements.

Responding to the accusations, Director‑General of Obi’s Campaign Council, Akin Osuntokun, called Kuti’s allegation “frivolous.” He said he was unaware of any such claim and suggested that, if taken seriously, it should be referred to the Nigerian tax authorities. Similarly, Yinusa Tanko, spokesperson for the Obi‑Datti Presidential Campaign Council, asserted that Obi and his family have been paying taxes. Tanko recalled meeting Seun at Benin airport and noted that Kuti had previously expressed support for Obi’s candidacy. He added that Kuti is not a tax collector and encouraged him to verify the facts, emphasizing that Obi generates tax revenue for Anambra State.