I never campaigned based on ethnicity, religion — Peter Obi replies FG

The candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25
presidential election, Peter Obi, has said the campaign he ran prior to the
2023 general election was not based on ethnicity or religion.

Obi said this in a statement he signed on Tuesday in
reaction to allegations attributed to the Minister of Information and Culture,
Lai Mohammed.

Mohammed had, at a media briefing in Washington DC, United
States, accused Obi of treason, which the LP candidate described as part of
campaigns of calumny against his person.

Obi said, “It is most unfortunate that these consistent
efforts to portray me quite contrary to what I am, and my core values, is
coming from such high quarters. Minister Lai accusing me of stoking insurrection
is totally malicious and fictitious.

“I have never discussed or encouraged anyone to undermine
the Nigerian state; I have never sponsored or preached any action against the
Nigerian state. Those initiating these actions have increasingly used their
official positions and agents to make false allegations against me.

“I am on record as always, advocating for peace and
issue-based campaign and never campaigned based on ethnicity or religion. I am
committed to due process, and presently seeking redress in the court.”

The former governor of Anambra State then urged those
engaged “in this demarketing process to stop presenting Nigeria in such bad
light.”

“Our future generations deserve a new Nigeria, where they
can live a secure and decent life like their counterparts in other climes. It
is possible,” he added.