Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has vehemently denied allegations that he held a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rome to discuss a purported N255 billion debt involving Fidelity Bank.
Obi, in statement on Thursday described the claims as “baseless, malicious, and entirely false,” attributing them to blackmailers determined to tarnish his reputation.
“It’s obvious that the biggest business for blackmailers now is talking about Peter Obi from every negative perspective,” he said. “Even my solemn spiritual trip to Rome has been twisted into yet another blackmail campaign by individuals paid to propagate anything negative against me.”
Obi clarified that his visit to Rome was strictly for religious purposes—first to attend the lying-in-state of the late Pope Francis on May 9, and later for the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV.
He confirmed that his only interaction with President Tinubu was a brief, public exchange of pleasantries at St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Let me categorically state that I have never sought an audience with, nor met, President Tinubu since he assumed office, except for about a one-minute meeting at the Vatican, where I was seated behind him and respectfully greeted him alongside other dignitaries,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra governor also refuted claims that he owns Fidelity Bank, describing the allegation as another attempt to mislead the public.
“Throughout my career, I have served as Chairman/Director of three banks and financial institutions, one of which was Fidelity Bank,” he explained. “Fidelity has over 500,000 shareholders, none of whom hold a majority stake. These blackmailers seek to harm hardworking Nigerians who have invested in the bank.”
Obi, however, extended an olive branch to those spreading the rumours, saying:
“To those peddling these falsehoods, I offer a simple prayer: May God grant you the virtues of gratitude and understanding. We came here with nothing and will leave with nothing. Evil will never profit them.”
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