Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has denied ever meeting Nigeria’s former military ruler, General Sani Abacha, while clarifying the nature of his involvement with the regime.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Obi addressed long-standing claims that he collaborated with the late dictator by releasing a 1996 appointment letter as evidence.
Abacha, who led Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998, was notorious for human rights abuses, repression, and embezzlement of public funds. Critics had accused Obi of secretly working with his regime.
To counter the allegations, Obi published a document appointing him to a Federal Government Task Force focused on decongesting Nigerian ports.
“In line with my commitment to always defend my actions and provide clarity, especially for those pursuing truth, I’m sharing this letter confirming my inclusion—alongside others—in the Ports Decongestion Task Force,” he stated.
He stressed that he never met Abacha personally and reiterated that his role in the task force was strictly civic and economic, not political. He explained that the initiative aimed to address operational challenges at the ports and improve business efficiency in Nigeria.
Obi also cast doubt on whether the document would silence his critics, whom he described as “mischief makers with hidden agendas.” Nevertheless, he said releasing the letter aligns with his principles of transparency and public accountability.
“This clarification is to set the record straight. Our involvement was driven by civic responsibility, not political alignment. While I don’t expect this evidence to stop those bent on mischief, it stands as a record for posterity and a reflection of my openness on all matters involving me,” Obi concluded.
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