Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has strongly denied claims that he traveled to Rome to secretly meet with President Bola Tinubu or to seek help regarding a ₦225 billion debt crisis involving Fidelity Bank.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Obi described the reports as “baseless, malicious, and entirely false,” accusing certain individuals he referred to as “paid blackmailers” of deliberately twisting his spiritual trip to Rome for political mischief.
“It’s obvious that the biggest business for blackmailers now is talking about Peter Obi from every negative perspective,” he said.
Obi clarified that while he briefly exchanged greetings with President Tinubu during the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Basilica, there was no private meeting. “I have never sought an audience with, nor met President Tinubu since he assumed office,” Obi stated.
He further addressed the rumors about Fidelity Bank, stating clearly: “I do not own Fidelity Bank or any other bank.” He acknowledged having served as a director or chairman in three financial institutions, including Fidelity Bank, but noted that the bank has over 500,000 shareholders and no single majority owner.
Obi concluded by condemning the spread of falsehoods and blackmail, expressing hope that those responsible would find “gratitude and understanding,” and reiterating his belief that “a new Nigeria is possible.”