Peter Obi clarifies past engagement with late General Abacha, releases supporting document

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has addressed recent speculations about his past dealings with Nigeria’s former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, presenting official documentation to clarify the nature of their interaction.

In a statement posted on Wednesday via his official X handle, Obi emphasized that his only engagement with the Abacha administration was professional and centered around economic concerns, not politics.

According to him, the interaction stemmed from a collective initiative by traders and importers, including himself, who were frustrated by persistent delays in clearing goods at Nigerian ports. He noted that the group approached the then military ruler with proposals to improve port operations and boost efficiency.

“Our meeting with him was borne out of collective concern as traders and importers over the prolonged delays in clearing goods at the ports. We approached him not as political actors, but as concerned citizens seeking pragmatic solutions,” Obi explained.

He further disclosed that the outcome of the meeting led to his appointment to a presidential task force on port decongestion. To substantiate his claims, Obi made public an official letter confirming his appointment to the task force.

Reaffirming his commitment to transparency, the former Anambra State governor said the clarification was necessary to ensure that the facts were properly documented.

“This clarification is offered in the interest of truth, to reaffirm that our actions were driven solely by a sense of civic duty and not political ambition,” he said.

Obi acknowledged that some individuals may continue to misrepresent his intentions for political reasons, but stressed the importance of setting the record straight for posterity.

“I understand that mischief makers with ulterior motives may not be convinced, but it is important for me to present the facts openly in line with my promise of accountability to Nigerians,” he added.