“Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Alleged Ties to Abacha Regime, Releases Official Letter as Evidence”

Amidst swirling allegations linking him to the repressive military regime of the late General Sani Abacha, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has publicly addressed the controversy, offering clarity and documented evidence to set the record straight.

Recent social media posts and political commentary reignited debate over Obi’s supposed involvement with the Abacha junta, a regime known for widespread corruption, suppression of civil liberties, and egregious human rights violations during its rule from 1993 to 1998. The controversy gained traction after former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, alleged that Obi had ties to the regime through business dealings at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos

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Obi Sets the Record Straight with Documentation

In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Peter Obi refuted the allegations, clarifying the nature of his involvement with a government task force during the Abacha era. To support his claims, Obi made public an official letter that detailed his co-optation—alongside other business stakeholders—into a federal task force aimed at resolving chronic congestion issues at Nigerian ports.

Obi stated unequivocally that he had never previously met General Sani Abacha before the engagement, which was initiated not as a political alliance but out of a shared concern among traders and importers. At the time, the prolonged delays in clearing goods at ports were causing serious setbacks for businesses and the broader Nigerian economy.

“In consonance with my established principles of defending everything I am involved in, and in the interest of all men and women of goodwill, especially those committed to the pursuit of truth, I hereby attach the letter which documents my co-opting, along with others, into the Taskforce on the decongestion of the Ports,” Obi said.

A Civic Duty, Not a Political Endeavor

Obi emphasized that his participation was strictly non-political and stemmed from his role as a concerned businessman who sought practical solutions to logistical challenges threatening the trading sector. According to him, the meeting with General Abacha was not one of political alignment, but of economic urgency.

“Our meeting with him was borne out of collective concern as traders and importers over the prolonged delays in clearing goods at the ports,” he explained. “We approached him not as political actors, but as concerned citizens seeking pragmatic solutions to a matter affecting economic activity and livelihoods.”

He added that the motivation behind their actions was the pursuit of efficiency and economic stability, aimed at enhancing port operations to the benefit of the larger business community.

Transparency in the Face of Political Smear Campaigns

The former governor described the resurfacing of these allegations as a politically motivated smear campaign designed to tarnish his reputation. Obi noted that while he does not expect the release of the official letter to completely silence his detractors, he believes it is necessary to make the truth available for public record.

“This clarification is offered in the interest of truth, to reaffirm that our actions were driven solely by a sense of civic duty and not political ambition,” he said. “I don’t expect this copious evidence to bury this Abacha case because the mischief makers have ulterior motives, but it’s being placed in the public space for posterity and in line with my transparency pledge to Nigerians on any issue I am involved in.”

A Call for Truth and Integrity in Politics

Obi’s handling of the matter stands as a reflection of his broader political philosophy, which centers on accountability, integrity, and service-driven leadership. His swift and transparent response to the accusations mirrors the image he has long cultivated—one of ethical governance and personal probity.

Political analysts say the move could reinforce Obi’s credibility among supporters and the undecided electorate, particularly at a time when Nigerians are increasingly demanding honesty and openness from their leaders.

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the political terrain is expected to become more charged with disinformation and strategic mischaracterizations. For Peter Obi, this episode appears to be a calculated effort to protect his name, maintain public trust, and set a precedent for fact-based political discourse.