The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi has dismissed as unfounded the claims that he is inciting the people of the South-East against the federal government.
Obi made this statement through a post on his verified X account on Thursday.
This comes after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Wednesday, accused Obi of stirring up discontent among the people of the South-East in relation to the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.
Umahi also mentioned that Obi had overseen the demolition of structures for road infrastructure during his tenure as governor of Anambra.
Obi responded by labeling the allegation as a “baseless distraction” aimed at smearing his reputation.
He said his “focus is on fostering constructive dialogue and inclusivity, rather than engaging in divisive politics.”
Obi said he would not reduce himself to the level of those who wallow in ethnic politics.
He stated, “Regarding allegations of incitement against the government, I firmly reject these unfounded accusations aimed at tarnishing my character.
“My focus is on fostering constructive dialogue and inclusivity, rather than engaging in divisive politics.
“Claims of incitement are baseless distractions. I have always advocated for unity and advancement, refusing to partake in reactionary divisive politics.
“Worse still, I have never and can never descend so low as to base my political aspirations on any sectional or ethnic interest.
Peter Obi has consistently voiced criticism towards the federal government regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project, labeling it a misallocation of resources.
The federal government has initiated the construction of the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar coastal road, which is slated to stretch along the coast through beach resorts in Lagos and span eight additional states.
The project has sparked debate concerning its financing and the impact on businesses during construction.
Obi, the former governor of Anambra, described the demolition of structures for the project as “insensitive” and “heart-wrenching.”
In response to the demolitions, Obi stated that during his tenure as governor, he made it clear that any structures impeding roadways and built without proper authorization would be removed.
He invited skeptics to provide evidence that the “demolished structures or businesses were not infringing upon the road and were constructed without government approval.”
Obi argued that comparing his actions as governor to the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is a false equivalence.
He said, “I never proposed creating a new road that would disrupt existing structures.
“My actions were strategic, aiming to prioritise the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure over projects that risked disruption and destruction.
“This approach aimed to safeguard the livelihoods of Nigerians and ensure the efficient use of resources,” he said.