The media office of National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed allegations that he targeted Northerners during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, describing the claims as deliberate falsehoods aimed at creating ethnic and regional divisions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, spokesperson Ibrahim Umar said allegations that Obi “repatriated” Northerners or specifically targeted Northern traders and beggars were completely untrue and politically motivated.
According to the statement, Obi’s administration operated a social welfare programme designed to assist vulnerable persons, including destitute individuals and unaccompanied minors from different parts of the country who were facing hardship in cities such as Awka and Onitsha.
The media office maintained that the initiative was purely humanitarian and not directed at any ethnic or regional group.
It further stated that Obi maintained cordial relations with Northern and Muslim communities throughout his eight years as governor of Anambra State.
The statement noted that during periods of ethno-religious tension in parts of the country, Obi’s administration took deliberate steps to protect Northern residents in the state, particularly members of the Hausa community living in the Onitsha Hausa Quarter, popularly known as Ama Awusa, from retaliatory attacks.
The media office also claimed that Obi supported Muslim residents through sponsorship of pilgrimages to Mecca and ensured equal treatment of citizens irrespective of religious affiliation.
It added that Northern traders and livestock dealers operating in areas such as Amansea enjoyed a peaceful and secure environment without government-sponsored intimidation or harassment.
According to the statement, members of Hausa and Fulani communities residing in Onitsha and Awka could attest to the cordial relationship they enjoyed with Obi’s administration.
The media office linked the recurring allegations to what it described as attempts to weaken Obi’s relationship with Northern Nigerians and undermine his economic vision for the region.
It stated that Obi has consistently advocated harnessing the agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria as part of efforts to transform the country from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based economy.
The statement added that Obi considers Northern Nigeria central to the country’s economic growth and accused critics of pursuing politically motivated campaigns aimed at distorting his position.
It concluded that repeated false narratives would not overshadow Obi’s long-term commitment to national unity, economic development and inclusive governance.
