Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 election, has denied any wrongdoing following his reported detention at London’s Heathrow Airport by UK immigration early in April. Obi, who is also a former governor of Anambra State, stated that he has always lived his life in a law-abiding manner and would “never knowingly break any law.”
The Labour Party had issued a statement last Wednesday, revealing that Obi was detained and questioned for a duplication offense, which indicated that someone had been impersonating him in London. The party further stated that Obi was questioned for a prolonged period of time but was eventually released due to the spontaneous reaction of Nigerians at Heathrow Airport. Both UK immigration and Obi have remained silent on the matter since it was reported.
However, Obi took to Twitter on Tuesday to defend himself, acknowledging that humans make mistakes but he would never knowingly break any law. He also expressed his lack of fear towards the lies and propaganda against him, stating that they are part of the journey to a “New Nigeria.”
“There may be more mudslinging from those who are against the emergence of the New Nigeria, but I would never be deterred by the obstacles along the way to victory. I have always lived my life in the most law-abiding manner. Sometimes as humans, we make mistakes, but I will never knowingly break any law. I am therefore not afraid of the lies and propaganda against my person. They are part of the journey to a New Nigeria,” Obi tweeted.
In the presidential election, according to the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Obi came in third place behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the declared winner, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, both Obi and Atiku have rejected the results announced by INEC and claimed victory at the polls. They have also approached the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal to seek redress.
The detention of Peter Obi at Heathrow Airport has raised questions and speculations about the allegations of impersonation and the implications it may have on his political career. As the situation unfolds, Nigerians are eagerly watching to see how this development will impact the political landscape in the country, particularly with the upcoming Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.
