Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the February 25 election, responded to former Enugu State governor Chimaroke Nnamani, who recently lost his Red Chamber seat to Labour’s Kelvin Chukwu. Nnamani, seeking a return ticket for Enugu East in the National Assembly, had blamed Obi for his defeat and accused him of “wicked and dangerous politics.” In a letter to Nnamani on Tuesday, Obi said the former governor must be mistaking him for someone else. He insisted that throughout his nationwide campaign he never engaged in ethnic or religious politics and expressed surprise at Nnamani’s remarks. Obi urged the former governor to desist from “senseless and unsubstantiated allegations” that only serve to damage his image.
In the letter, Obi wrote, “Throughout these electioneering campaigns you have consistently cast aspersions on my person, despite my always being respectful to you as an elder brother and never publicly or privately commenting negatively about you. I am really surprised that you, as my dear elder brother, would exercise your fundamental right of freedom of speech to say what you know is not true.” He condemned the accusation that he is an ethnic or religious bigot, stating, “I am the direct opposite of what you said. I have consistently championed issues‑based campaigns, using illustrations and data to support my positions. Media houses even created fact‑check desks to address the issues I raised.”
Obi emphasized that his campaign has always been grounded in character, capacity and compassion, not ethnicity or religion. He challenged anyone, including Nnamani, to point to any public appearance where he displayed ethnic or religious bigotry or used hateful language, even during his visits to Enugu State. He also rejected the claim that his “Lagos is no man’s land” statement was directed at the Igbo, noting that he received more votes from non‑Igbo voters in Lagos, Abuja and other parts of Nigeria. “If Igbo voters supported me, should they be chased away from the places where they live and contribute to development?” he asked, adding that Britain will not expel Indians because they voted for an Indian prime minister.
Obi concluded by warning Nnamani against making unfounded accusations that tarnish his reputation. He acknowledged the importance of listening and learning in leadership, noting Nnamani’s suggestion that he return to school for further training. “Why should I pay huge fees when I can learn free of charge from my dear elder brother who knows it better? I respectfully appeal to be invited by my senior brother to teach me accordingly.” He sent warm regards to the family and signed off, “God bless. Peter Obi.”
Comments are closed for this story.