A former Publicity Secretary of the Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Nnamdi Nwangwu, has dismissed repeated claims portraying the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, as anti-North, describing the narrative as false and politically motivated.
Nwangwu, who recently joined the NDC, said the allegations against Obi were merely a campaign of calumny aimed at tarnishing the image of the former Anambra State governor.
According to him, those behind the claims are uncomfortable with Obi’s growing popularity and acceptance across the country.
He maintained that the attempt to portray Obi as hostile to Northern interests is “dead on arrival,”.
Nwangwu insisted that the NDC presidential hopeful had consistently demonstrated inclusiveness and respect for all ethnic groups throughout his time in public office.
“The people spreading these false narratives have discovered that Mr. Peter Obi is clean in and out, and they have now resorted to blackmail in a desperate attempt to stop a man many Nigerians see as a beacon of hope,” he said.
He recalled that during Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, he maintained cordial relationships with non-indigenes residing in the state, particularly members of the Hausa community.
According to him, Obi regularly engaged Northern leaders and residents through meetings and interactive sessions held at the Government House lodges in Amawbia and Onitsha.
“Mr. Peter Obi did not only visit Hausa communities to identify with them, he also held regular meetings with them at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia and Onitsha to make them feel included in the affairs of the state,” he stated.
Cross-cutting hospitality
He added that the gesture was not limited to the Hausa community alone, noting that Yoruba residents and people from other parts of the country living in Anambra equally enjoyed the same level of inclusion and engagement during Obi’s administration.
Nwangwu further stated that Obi used such meetings to unveil social welfare initiatives targeted at vulnerable persons, including destitute individuals and unaccompanied minors from different parts of Nigeria who were facing economic hardship.
“Anambra State is known as the Light of the Nation, and Mr. Peter Obi used his administration to truly project that light both within and outside the state.
“Non-indigenes living in Anambra, including Northerners, benefitted immensely from his leadership,” he added.
The former PDP spokesman stressed that Obi maintained peaceful and cordial relations with Northern and Muslim communities throughout his eight years as governor, making it possible for them to benefit from several welfare programmes and government support initiatives.
He insisted that the ongoing attacks against Obi would not diminish the growing support and influence of the NDC presidential candidate across the country.Top of Form
