Presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has strongly denied viral social media images that falsely show him in meetings with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Lagos transport union leader, MC Oluomo.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Obi dismissed the photos as “fake and doctored,” warning Nigerians and the international community about the growing threat of misinformation and political propaganda.
“My attention has been drawn to some pictures currently circulating on social media, falsely portraying meetings I never had,” Obi wrote.
“One of such images purports to show me with US President Donald Trump, alongside a fabricated claim that he praised me. Another seeks to depict me with MC Oluomo in his office.”
Obi was categorical in his denial, stressing that no such meetings took place.
“Let me state categorically that both pictures are fake and doctored, and the accompanying stories are entirely false. I have not met Mr Trump recently, nor have I had any such meeting with MC Oluomo,” he stated.
Peter Obi used the opportunity to highlight the dangers of fake news in Nigerian politics. He said such misinformation campaigns are not only deceptive but are meant to distract the public from the real issues facing the country.
“These fabrications highlight the persistent dangers of fake news and disinformation in our society,” Obi warned. “They are not only misleading but deliberately designed to confuse, misguide, and distract the public.”
He urged citizens and media platforms to verify information before sharing and to resist being used to spread propaganda.
“Nigerians and the international community must remain vigilant, verify information before sharing, and resist the culture of propaganda that undermines truth and integrity.”
Obi stressed that his political mission is rooted in accountability and a genuine desire to solve Nigeria’s problems, not in photo ops or seeking validation from controversial figures.
“For the avoidance of doubt, if I had such meetings, I would have personally made them public on my X handle,” he noted.
“My politics has never been about seeking praise or cheap publicity. It is about confronting the real problems of Nigeria and working towards solutions grounded in integrity, accountability, and transparency.”
He highlighted that his priorities remain addressing insecurity, improving education and healthcare, strengthening the rule of law, and lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
Peter Obi emerged as a major third-force candidate during the 2023 presidential elections, gaining widespread support among Nigeria’s youth and urban voters. Since then, he has remained active in national discourse, often using social media to share his views on governance, the economy, and public accountability.
This recent clarification comes amid a broader wave of politically motivated fake news, which has become common on Nigerian social media platforms, especially during election cycles or periods of high political tension.
