Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, has firmly denied reports suggesting he met President Bola Tinubu in Rome over a supposed debt linked to Fidelity Bank. The claims, which were widely circulated, were dismissed by Obi as part of a blackmail campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation. Obi criticized the efforts to spread negativity about him, calling it the work of individuals paid to spread false information. He explained that during his visit to Rome, which was for a spiritual trip, he had a brief, incidental exchange with President Tinubu at the inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV, a meeting that lasted only a minute. Obi further clarified that he had not sought an audience with the president and had no discussions regarding debt.
Obi also addressed the rumor that he owns Fidelity Bank, stating he does not. While he served as the chairman and director of several financial institutions, including Fidelity Bank, he pointed out that the bank has over 500,000 shareholders, none of whom hold a majority stake. The Labour Party candidate concluded by expressing hopes for those spreading false information, wishing them understanding and the virtues of gratitude.
